Preeclampsia: What You Need To Know & Ask
Preeclampsia is a condition that usually develops after approximately 20 weeks of pregnancy and is often defined by the following major symptoms: unprecedented high blood pressure and protein in urine. Awareness of this condition is important as it is seen in about 1 out of 25 pregnancies and can be serious if left untreated.
Although preeclampsia is largely characterized by the two aforementioned symptoms, there are several other symptoms that may be associated with it such as persistent headaches, abnormal vision, upper abdominal pain, unnatural swelling, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, and nausea and vomiting.
The only absolute treatment for preeclampsia is delivery and depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, this may be appropriate. If delivery is not an option, your doctor will keep a close monitor of your pregnancy, may initiate medical treatment and possibly prepare for an early delivery.
Preeclampsia is believed to be caused by the abnormal development of uterine blood vessels and inefficient blood flow to the placenta, which could slow the baby’s growth or lead to preterm birth.
Preeclampsia can also put you at risk for subsequent diseases such as HELLP Syndrome and Eclampsia, which could lead to the onset of organ damage or seizures. Preeclampsia has also been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The good news is that you can take steps during your pregnancy to lower your risks of preeclampsia.
First, proper prenatal care is absolutely crucial. Part of this means consistently attending check ups so your doctor can detect any abnormalities early on. Also, make sure to talk with your doctor at these appointments: Be honest about any concerns or symptoms you may have. It is always best to be on the safe side of things.
Prenatal care also means prioritizing your physical health: a nutritious diet and regular exercise are both vital as they not only decrease your risk for high blood pressure, but they do the same for any cardiovascular consequences that may arise. Research has shown that dietary changes such as minimizing salt and caffeine intake could be helpful.
Research has also shown that for some women taking low-dose aspirin every day could decrease the risk for preeclampsia by 15%, although we recommend that you consult with your doctor before doing this.
Looking to talk to your doctor about this topic? Here’s 3 potential questions to ask them:
Am I at high risk for preeclampsia?
Do you recommend that I take low-dose aspirin to help prevent preeclampsia?
Are there any abnormalities with my blood pressure or urine I should know about?
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