Preeclampsia pregnancy symptoms, diagnostics, risk factors – Treatment of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women home

Pre-eclampsia (Toxemia of Pregnancy; Pregnancy-induced Hypertension; Preeclampsia)

Preeclampsia it?

Preeclampsia is a disease, which occurs in some women during pregnancy, usually in the second half of pregnancy. With the development of preeclampsia increased blood pressure and protein in the urine appears.

Preeclampsia causes

The cause of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women is unknown.

Risk factors for preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is more common in women 40 and older. Factors, which can increase the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia pregnancy include:

• Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy;
• First pregnancy;
• A family history of pre-eclampsia, eg, his mother and sister;
• Pregnancy several babies (twins, dvoynii);
• Chronic high blood pressure;
• Obesity;
• Kidney disease;
• Diabetes;
• Being overweight or obese;
• Antiphospholipid syndrome.

Preeclampsia pregnancy symptoms

In women with pre-eclampsia may not be observed any symptoms. It is important to see your doctor regularly during pregnancy to detect problems at an early stage.

Women with symptoms, Preeclampsia can cause:

• Headache;
• Bloating or water retention;
• Noticeably swollen ankles or feet, longer flow off, which occurs during pregnancy;
• Swelling of the face and upper body;
• Vision problems;
• Pain in the upper abdomen;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Breathing short breath;
• Chest pain;
• Infrequent urination.

Diagnosis of preeclampsia

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Preeclampsia is diagnosed, if a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and a significant amount of protein in the urine.

Tests for the detection of pre-eclampsia may include:

• Hemodynamometry, to detect arterial pressure 140/90 or higher;
• Urine, to detect the increase in protein levels;
• Blood tests, to check the overall health and condition of kidney and liver.

Treatment of pre-eclampsia – Hypertension in Pregnancy Treatment

Early treatment of pre-eclampsia can prevent its progression to eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures, caused by severe pre-eclampsia.

Treatment may include pre-eclampsia:

Birth of a child

The only way to cure pre-eclampsia is the birth of a child. The decision depends on the delivery confluence of many factors, such as:

• Gestational age;
• Condition of mother and child;
• The severity of pre-eclampsia;
• The risk of other complications during pregnancy.

Delivery may occur naturally or may be artificially induced. If you have a life-threatening circumstances of the mother or baby, It may require a cesarean section. During labor you may need medication to control blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Medication for the treatment of pre-eclampsia

Mild preeclampsia often treatable with the help of rest and medication late in pregnancy, before the birth of a child. Your doctor may recommend drugs, that:

• Lower blood pressure;
• Reduce the risk of seizures;
• To help the fetal lungs in the case of, if the child is born prematurely.

Treatment of pre-eclampsia in the home

If the patient's condition is stable and she lives from the hospital, your doctor may recommend a vacation home in a quiet environment. Treatment may include:

• Frequent measurement of blood pressure;
• Recreation;
• Help in cooking, homework at home with other family members.

Treatment of pre-eclampsia in the hospital

If pre-eclampsia is moderate or deteriorating, doctor may refer the patient to the hospital. Treatment may include:

• Reducing blood pressure with medication;
• Medication to prevent eclampsia;
• Monitoring the status of the child in the womb;
• Recreation.

Prevention of preeclampsia

To reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia or other complications during pregnancy:

• Get regular prenatal care. Early treatment may prevent preeclampsia, eclampsia;
• If you have chronic high blood pressure, during pregnancy is necessary to control it;
• Talk to your doctor, before taking any medication;
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy;
• Regularly eat healthy, and take vitamins;
• Ask the doctor, whether you need to take calcium supplements. Calcium supplementation may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and preterm birth;
• Your doctor may recommend taking aspirin, to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.