Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia in Pregnancy
Also known as toxemia of pregnancy, preeclampsia is a problem that occurs in some women during pregnancy. It may happen after the fifth month and more frequently during the first pregnancy of a woman, women whose mothers or sisters had preeclampsia. But the precise cause of preeclampsia is still unknown. There are many theories that are based on the causes may be related to genetic factors, dietary, vascular, neurological, etc., But none of them has come to be confirmed. Normally it is recognized by preeclampsia hypertension, weight gain and protein in the urine.
Eclampsia goes further. This is a toxemia of pregnancy with convulsions. A table of pre-eclampsia more aggravated. That is, when the pregnant woman experiences the symptoms of preeclampsia and gets to have convulsions and other reactions of concern for her and the unborn baby.
Risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnancy
While pre-eclampsia occurs in approximately five percent of all pregnancies, eclampsia usually occurs in 1 per 2-3000 pregnancies. The risk of preeclampsia is higher in women with multiple pregnancies, teenage mothers and women over 40 years of age. Also included are those with high blood pressure or kidney disease. The fetus, most women with preeclampsia still deliver healthy babies. A few develop eclampsia. Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta which provides air and food to your baby getting enough blood. If that happens, the baby will get less air and food which may cause the baby to be born with low birth weight or other problems.
Symptoms and signs of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnancy
When a pregnant woman usually eclampsia often have symptoms such as seizures, severe agitation, loss of consciousness and absence of breathing for brief periods, as well as potential musculoskeletal pain and changes in the retina caused by hypertension.
In the case of suffering from preeclampsia, may have symptoms such as swelling of the hands, face, ankles and feet, excessive weight gain, severe headache and persistent, some visual disturbances, upper abdominal pain, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, tachycardia, nausea and vertigo, etc.
Both pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can also alter the analytical results of hematocrit, uric acid, creatinine, and blood differential. A urine test can show if there is protein in the urine of pregnant women.
Treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnancy
In the case of pregnant women have preeclampsia, the best way to protect yourself and your baby is giving birth. If that is not possible by the time you have a baby, you can pursue other ways to manage the preeclampsia until the time is right for delivery. Normally, these roads require rest, continuous monitoring of the doctor, to help lower blood pressure, and in some cases may require hospitalization. Anyway, the doctor will evaluate the case and determine the type of treatment to follow.
