If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg in pregnancy, along with high levels of protein in your urine, make sure to visit a doctor
Also known as toxaemia, preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can develop in some women during pregnancy. Even though it usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, it can have serious and life-threatening effects on your kidneys and liver.
According to experts, early detection and careful monitoring can protect both mother and baby from this serious form of gestational hypertension. “Pregnant women tend to have elevated blood pressure along with signs of damage to organs, most often the liver and kidneys. If not managed properly, preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications,” Dr. Sonal Singhal, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, told Times Now.
Is preeclampsia an emergency?
Dr. Singhal says yes, it can be. When you have preeclampsia, your blood pressure, if higher than 140/90 mmHg, along with high levels of protein in your urine, can put a lot of stress on your heart and other organs to cause serious complications.
It also affects the blood supply to the placenta or causes fluid to build up in your lungs.
“While the exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, several risk factors are associated with this condition,” said Dr. Singhal. Factors that can put you at high risk for preeclampsia include:
- History of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or high blood sugar levels
- Expecting twins or triplets
- Autoimmune conditions
- Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy
- Being obese
- Being older than 35 years
- Family history of preeclampsia.
- Complications in prior pregnancies, like low birth weight
What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?
While many women with preeclampsia may not have any signs or symptoms until a visit to their doctors, those who do have high blood pressure, protein in their pee, and retained water. Other signs include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision and light sensitivity
- Dark spots appearing in your vision
- Upper right side abdominal pain
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, and face
- Breathlessness
"And so, regular prenatal check-ups are essential. Do not delay management of this condition. It is imperative to visit the doctor immediately after noticing the symptoms.
The primary treatment for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, especially if the condition is severe and the pregnancy is beyond 37 weeks,” said Dr. Singhal. “Until then, management may include medications to control blood pressure, corticosteroids to support fetal lung development, and close monitoring of both mother and baby,” she added.
What are the preventive tips you need to follow?
- Attend all prenatal appointments without fail. Here, the doctor will examine the pregnant woman, identify any problems like preeclampsia, thyroid imbalance, or gestational diabetes, and accordingly design a tailor-made management plan.
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet as per the expert’s advice. It will be essential for you to seek help from an expert regarding what to eat and avoid in the diet. Stay away from junk, spicy, canned, and processed foods. Drink enough water and quit alcohol and smoking.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Stay physically active as advised. Don’t go overboard while exercising.
- Take prescribed prenatal vitamins if recommended by your doctor.
- Do not take stress over situations, as it can also raise blood pressure.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
