Preeclampsia
Symptoms
Preeclampsia symptoms are a sign of a very risky condition that should
not be overlooked. The preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant
women or women that recently gave birth.
The illness affects
approximately 6% of all pregnant women and it can hurt not only the
mother but the child as well. The condition usually appears after the
third trimester of gestation and its main characteristic is an unusual
high blood pressure. The typical blood pressure reading of someone with
preeclampsia is about 140/90mmHg. Another indication of the disease is
the presence of high levels of protein in the urine.
The origin of preeclampsia is not completely clear but there are some
theories about it. One theory indicates that fetal antigens activate an
immune response from the soon to be mother. Another possible
explanation states that the placenta is unable to implant itself well
in the uterus and the blood vessels surrounding it are not capable of
developing properly. This leads to an
increase in blood pressure
and
the high protein in the urine. The lack of certain nutrients and
minerals is also another possible explanation for the disease. Family
history can also play an important role in the origin of the condition.
Preeclampsia symptoms are very easy to identify. The swelling of the
extremities, headaches, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to the light
are common symptoms of the disease. A sudden increase in weight and
abdominal pain are other symptoms that can be experienced. One problem
with this condition is that it can evolve into eclampsia or toxemia if
not treated early.
Eclampsia
or toxemia usually appears on first
pregnancies and young mothers.
Symptoms of toxemia can
include
convulsions, seizures and even blackouts. This condition can threaten
the life of the mother and the child. Dehydration is also a common
consequence of preeclampsia but fortunately by drinking plenty of
fluids, the effects can be diminished.
Preeclampsia symptoms are useful to identify the condition and can help
the pregnant mother to get the care she needs immediately. There is no
real cure for this disease but it can be kept under control until the
delivery of the baby. Once the baby is born the condition will
eventually disappear. A medication that is commonly used to prevent
seizures and keep the blood flow to the baby is the magnesium
injections.
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