Pre-eclampsia: What every expectant mother should know?

Pregnancy is often described as one of the most beautiful and transformative times in a woman’s life. But it’s also a time that demands close attention to health, both for the mother and the baby. Among the many conditions that can affect pregnancy, pre-eclampsia is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous. Yet, with the right awareness and care, it can be managed and its risks significantly reduced.

What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication usually occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. It can affect the function of the liver, kidneys, and other organs and, if left untreated, may lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications for both mother and baby.

Who is at Risk?
Pre-eclampsia can happen to anyone, but certain factors increase the risk:

• First-time pregnancy
• History of high blood pressure
• Pregnancy with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Obesity
• Diabetes or kidney disease
• Family history of pre-eclampsia
• Being over the age of 35

Common Symptoms
Sometimes, pre-eclampsia develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular prenatal checkups are so important. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher)
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
• Sudden weight gain
• Severe headaches
• Vision problems (blurred vision, sensitivity to light)
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Why Early Detection Matters
Pre-eclampsia can progress quickly. Without timely treatment, it can lead to serious conditions like eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome (a liver and blood clotting disorder), and placental abruption (the placenta detaches from the uterus), all of which put the mother and baby at great risk.

How is it Treated?
There is currently no cure for pre-eclampsia other than delivering the baby, which makes early diagnosis and monitoring critical. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is and how severe the condition becomes, treatment may include:

• Bed rest or reduced activity
• Medication to lower blood pressure
• Regular blood and urine tests
• Hospital monitoring
• Early delivery if necessary

Can Pre-eclampsia Be Prevented?
While it can’t always be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

• Attending all prenatal visits
• Monitoring your blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Following a nutritious, balanced diet
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes
• Staying active (as approved by your doctor)
• Preventive genetic testing to determine the potential risk of developing this condition

Learning about pre-eclampsia can be overwhelming, especially during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about pre-eclampsia.