Dealing with pre-ecclampsia
Pre-ecclampsia is condition that can occur during pregnancy. Those afflicted with pre-ecclampsia will have uncharacteristically high blood pressure, sudden swelling that sometimes manifests itself along with abrupt weight gain. This normally occurs from the middle of the second trimester onwards. Pre-ecclampsia is the forerunner to ecclampsia and should it progress to that, it could put you and your baby in harm’s way. This is in relation to your blood pressure.
The pre-ecclampsia stage ranges from mild to chronic. You have to understand that this is an affliction that can only be controlled but not completely cured. A direct result is a reduction of blood flow to your baby through the placenta. This could endanger your baby.
You can take heart in the fact that pre-ecclampsia is not a common occurrence. First time mothers and those who have a child with a different partner are more susceptible. Mothers-to-be who are below the age of 20 or over 35 need to be careful. Weight plays an important part and if you over 90 kg, you will need to monitor yourself. If you have been suffering from other ailments that are linked to blood pressure or diabetes, be careful.
Pre-ecclampsia can also occur is you are carrying twins or sometimes even more. The affliction also passes down and you are likely to have it if your mother or sister has suffered through it. Mothers who have more than a decade separating their children could develop pre-ecclampsia.
If you do end up having a slightly higher blood pressure, you will be relegated to bed rest. You will be advised to favor your left side when you lie down to facilitate improved blood flow to your placenta. And when you do sit up, you will have to prop yourself. Your doctor will determine the frequency at which your blood pressure will need to be monitored. Well paced scans will check on your baby’s health. You will be made an in-patient if your doctor feels that your pressure is on the worrying side. The chances of a C-section are higher in this case.
In terms of symptoms, get yourself checked if you are having severe headaches and notice sudden swelling. Blurred vision, severe abdominal pain and shortness of breath too warrant an immediate visit to your doctor. The faster you are diagnosed, the safer your pregnancy will be.
Recent studies have shown that pre-ecclampsia can now occur at any point in a pregnancy. While it was earlier assumed that a delivery would mean the end of the affliction, there are several women who suffer from postpartum pre-ecclampsia.
