Preeclampsia and Eclampsia – Care at Nyle Hospital

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure) and protein content in urine (proteinuria). Preeclampsia is found to develop anytime after 20th week, most often occurs near or at the ending stage of pregnancy or even after birth. It is otherwise known as toxemia or gestation induced hypertension. Preeclampsia leads to constriction of blood vessels making it difficult for blood from mother to flow through the placenta for supporting the foetus. The only cure for preeclampsia is the delivery of baby.

Women at High-risk for Preeclampsia

First time to-be-mother

A woman whose sister or mother had preeclampsia when they were pregnant

Medical record of diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, kidney disease and/or connective tissue disease

Age of woman above 35 years

Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

Obesity

Mother who had preeclampsia in the previous pregnancy

In many cases, increase of blood pressure seems to be mild, but when BP starts to increase and stays high, weight and growth of the foetus may be affected. Sometimes, premature delivery happens due to preeclampsia.

If left uncared, or if the symptoms fail to respond to the treatment, there are possibilities for mother’s eyes, liver, kidneys, heart and brain to get damaged. Seizures indicate that preeclampsia has worsened and developed to eclampsia. It is a condition wherein convulsions happen in a pregnant woman with induced high blood pressure, most often leading to coma and threatening the life of both mother and baby and hence requires rigorous monitoring, treatment and support.

Symptoms Not To Be Ignored

Bad or unbearable headaches

Blurred vision, eyes flashes and/or double vision

Pain exactly below the rib bones

Nausea and vomiting

Decreased level of urination

Swelling of face, feet or hands that remain as such even after resting

Dizziness (light headedness)

Impaired liver functioning

Shorting of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs

Management of Preeclampsia

Upon diagnosis of preeclampsia, the healthcare providers will prepare a plan involving the care of mother based on the completion of gestational weeks and the probability for early delivery. The caring process includes complete bed rest, frequent hospital visits for recording BP, protein level in urine, mother’s weight and kick counts as well as blood test for checking liver, kidney and clotting function. Alone with these, ultrasound scanning and non-stress examination are done for detecting proper growth and well-being of baby.

If the symptoms are seen to worsen, immediate hospitalization with medications may be required for the mother to control BP and to avoid seizures. Since delivery is the one and only cure for preeclampsia, the gynaecologists may discuss with a perinatologist and neonatologist for knowing the optimal time left for childbirth.