Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by high blood pressure and may come with signs of damage to another organ system. This is mostly the case with the liver and kidneys. Unfortunately, many women are under-informed regarding preeclampsia and what it can cause. If you happen to be in this category, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Keep in mind preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for you and your baby if left untreated. That said, here are some of the things you need to know about preeclampsia.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Knowing the symptoms of preeclampsia goes a long way in making sure you’re fully prepared for what lies ahead. However, preeclampsia at times develops without any symptoms. But in most cases, blood pressure may develop slowly, or it may be a sudden onset. No wonder monitoring your blood pressure is vital when it comes to predicting preeclampsia because the first notable sign is a rise in blood pressure.
Other signs and symptoms that accompany preeclampsia include excess protein in your urine, severe headaches, upper abdominal pain and decreases levels of platelets in your blood. Patients may also have to make do with shortness of breath, caused by fluid in their lungs. It is highly advisable that you attend your prenatal visits if the doctor is to detect preeclampsia earlier enough.
Prevention of Preeclampsia
Until now, there are no clear strategies on the perfect way to prevent preeclampsia. Whereas some people would rather eat less salt, change their activities, or even restrict activities, all these may not yield the benefits you expect. To avoid complicating thins even further, be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you happen to have severe headaches, blurred vision, or severe pain in your abdomen.
The Bottom Line
Predicting preeclampsia earlier enough will prove beneficial if you are to avoid losing your baby. If you have preeclampsia, then the most effective treatment is delivery of your baby. You should however remember that it can still take a while for you to get better after delivering the baby.
Be sure to do your homework and understand what preeclampsia is all about. The good news is that you can leverage the internet in this regard and get every piece of information you need hassle-free. When in doubt, it is in your best interest that you contact your medical practitioner.