Eclampsia is one of the diseases dangerous for pregnant women and preeclampsia is its early stage. These illnesses will always rear their ugly heads if not diagnosed in their early stages and are avoidable. In this article you will learn about preeclampsia and eclampsia – what it is, symptoms, potential risks and What can be done to help you and your baby stay healthy?
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia for its part is a pregnancy related condition that is marked by both high blood pressure and evidence of dysfunction of another system, usually the renal. It ordinarily occurs at twenty weeks of pregnancy in women with pre-pregnancy normal blood pressure. It is important to intervene early as left alone preeclampsia has the prospect of causing severe if not deadly outcome.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
While, still the root cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, there are few risk factors which are said to be potential for the same. Some of them are genetic, some are related to blood vessel formation in the placenta or the immune reactions. Further, high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes pregnant women can be at a higher risk. These causes are important to know in a way which assists in identifying symptoms at an early stage.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Prompt diagnosis of preeclampsia is important to the life of both the mother and the child. Some of the most typical signs they experience are: oedema of the hands and face, quick weight increase, poor vision, and dreadful headaches. You may also have shortness of breath when breathing; upper right abdominal pain; and nausea. Since some of these symptoms might be like other symptoms of pregnancy, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis to be made.
Who is at Risk for Preeclampsia?
Not all women are at the same risk to develop preeclampsia. Potential complications are associated with first pregnancy, maternal age of 35 years or older, multiple pregnancy, and a history of hypertension or obesity. If you are in any of the above categories, it becomes critical to have close monitoring of the signs of preeclampsia.
Diagnosing Preeclampsia
To diagnose preeclampsia doctors uses at least two Beaumont blood pressure readings and two tests on the patient’s urine. The criteria include high blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg and protein urinary level. These problems should be diagnosed at an early stage and with regular prenatal appointments, they can be averted.
What is Eclampsia?
Where preeclampsia advances and becomes even more complex is when seizures set in; this is known as eclampsia. Whereas complications arising from preeclampsia are already lethal, eclampsia is far even more hazardous to the woman as well as the fetus. The seizures are unpredictable and, if untreated, eclampsia may cause coma or death.
How Eclampsia Emerges from Preeclampsia
Eclampsia is usually experienced when preeclampsia has not been managed appropriately. However, when high blood pressure persists, and the organs are further damaged, then seizures develop. Mearns and colleagues achieved early recognition and control of this progression and provided prevention of transition from preeclampsia to eclampsia.
Eclampsia Definitons, Symptoms, and Emergent Signs
Eclampsia’s most apparent manifestation is seizures. However, other signs may include headaches, increased enlargement of the area, change in vision, breathing problems. Anything out of the ordinary in your pregnancy, any of the above symptoms warrants an emergency visit to the hospital. Eclampsia is a serious condition that needs urgent intervention, and in the current world we cannot afford to wait long because the results are fatal.
Risks for the Baby
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are dangerous to the unborn baby in many ways. Ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, low birth weight and placental abruption are some of the complications that result from the condition. In severe cases the baby could become damaged and endanger it further hence requiring early removal from the mother’s womb. Each woman should attend prenatal appointments frequently so that the condition of baby can be examined.
Treatment for Preeclampsia
Unfortunately, currently there is no cure for preeclampsia, if it cannot wait, the only solution is delivery. If you get this condition early in pregnancy then your doctor may prescribe rest, drugs that lower blood pressure, or corticosteroids that help the baby’s lungs to develop. The aim of prolonging pregnancy is to keep the pregnancy going for as long as it won’t harm the life of the mother and baby.
Treatment for Eclampsia
Eclampsia should warrant hospitalization of the woman in question. Doctors will try to address your situation where applicable, this may involve the use of anticonvulsant drugs to prevent future seizures. This drug is used during an eclampsia attack to suppress convulsions that may occur in the affected mother. Babies may have to be delivered, even if early, to halt the worsening of the illness.
Preventing Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Although preeclampsia cannot be avoided in all cases, you can take some measures that help to reduce the risk. These include keeping fit, controlling other illnesses and having check-ups during pregnancy. Health care providers may recommend low dose aspirin for expectant mothers within high risk group for preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Long-term Effects of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
As a matter of fact, preeclampsia and eclampsia remain significant threats to your health even after delivery. Women who have been through these conditions are a sensitive to future cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and a stroke. After childbirth it is important to seek a follow up with the doctor to check on your recovery progress.
How to Monitor Your Health Post-Pregnancy
If a patient has had preeclampsia or eclampsia, further management is required – consultation with a doctor. It is recommended that you check your blood pressure after birth, to confirm whether it has returned to normal or not and if the symptoms persist, proper medication will be administered. Women who experienced these conditions should take extra care to lead a healthy heart life, this includes doing regular exercises and taking balanced diets.
Emotional Impact of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Emotional consequences of preeclampsia and eclampsia should not be dismissed by anyone out there. These conditions are stressful to pregnant women as the above social determinants lead to anxiety, depression as well as helplessness. Medical consultants or counselors are always essential when it comes to dealing with these feelings, just as much as physical recovery is needed.
Preeclampsia and eclampsia should be taken seriously and its treatment must be given as soon as possible. An early identification of the features and appropriate treatment will go along way in achieving a better result for the mother and the unborn child. It is also important to be aware and proactive, get the necessary information out there and listen to the doctor.
FAQs
What is the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia?
- Preeclampsia consists of hypertension and end organ dysfunction and eclampsia is a more severe variant which also includes convulsions.
Can preeclampsia be cured?
The only remedy for preeclampsia is delivery though the symptoms can be controlled until the baby is due.
Which patients are most vulnerable to preeclampsia?
First-time moms, older women, women with more than one baby, and women with high blood pressure or who are overweight or obese.
It is known what symptoms indicate eclampsia?
These include; Seizures, severe headaches, vision disturbances and difficulty in breathing.
Does preeclampsia have an impact toward the baby?
Yes, it can cause preterm delivery, low birth weight and a host of other complications.
What are the possible treatments for preeclampsia?
Some of the treatment includes antihypertensive drugs, lying down and administration of corticosteroids to enhance the lungs’ development of the unborn baby.
How is eclampsia treated?
Eclampsia is managed by anticonvulsant medications and the pregnancy might be induced.
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
Unfortunately, it can never be completely avoided though proper prenatal care and proper diet can minimize the risk.
What consequences does preeclampsia have for the mother after delivery of the baby?
They found out that it contributes to increased possibility of other cardiovascular difficulties in the future including hypertension as well as stroke.
Preeclampsia symptoms can be alarming; what if one has them?
You should report any of these symptoms to your healthcare provider for examination and management.
