Preeclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management During Pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs, most often the liver and kidneys. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy, typically in the third trimester, but it can develop earlier or even postpartum. Preeclampsia is a condition that can affect both the mother and the unborn baby.

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to problems with the placenta. 

What is preeclampsia?

Pregnancy-related increase in blood pressure is known as preeclampsia. Excessive blood pressure (hypertension) and excessive proteinuria (high quantities of urine protein) are common in preeclamptic patients. It can also be harmful to the mother's developing foetus and other organs in the body. 

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure was previously in the standard range.

What happens when you have preeclampsia?

When you have preeclampsia, your blood pressure is elevated (higher than 140/90 mmHg), and you may have high levels of protein in your urine. This condition can cause various health problems for the mother and the baby. 

It may also cause water to accumulate in your lungs, damage liver and kidney function, and disrupt the blood flow to the placenta. A symptom of renal dysfunction is the presence of protein in the urine.

How common is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a relatively common pregnancy complication, affecting about 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. It is more common in first-time pregnancies and in women who are over the age of 35. Other risk factors for preeclampsia symptoms include chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity.

Who gets preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia can affect any pregnant woman, but it is more common in certain groups of women, including:

• Women who are having their first baby
• Women who are over the age of 35
• Women who are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Women with chronic high blood pressure
• Women with diabetes
• Women with kidney disease
• Women with obesity
• Women with a family history of preeclampsia

What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

The most common symptoms of preeclampsia are:

• High blood pressure: Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher during pregnancy are considered high.
• Protein in the urine: Protein is a substance normally found in the blood but should not be present in the urine. Protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage, a common complication of preeclampsia.
• Swelling in the hands, face, and feet: This is called oedema and is caused by fluid retention. Oedema is most common in the later stages of pregnancy, but it can also be a preeclampsia symptoms.
• Headaches: Severe headaches that do not go away with over-the-counter pain relievers may be a sign of preeclampsia.
• Upper abdominal pain: Upper abdominal pain is felt in the upper right side of the stomach. This could be a sign of liver disease or gallbladder problems.
• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a symptom that various conditions, including preeclampsia symptoms, heart disease and asthma, can cause. 
• Visual disturbances: Blurred vision or flashing lights can indicate high blood pressure or damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.

What causes preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but it is thought to be related to problems with the placenta. The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides nourishment and oxygen to the baby.

In preeclampsia, the placenta does not develop properly, which can restrict blood flow and nutrients to the baby. Preeclampsia causes damage to the blood vessels in the mother's body.

Does stress cause preeclampsia?

Stress isn't directly linked to causing preeclampsia, but it might contribute to its development. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and organ damage during pregnancy. Stress may indirectly affect these factors, potentially increasing the risk, but it's not the sole cause.

What week of pregnancy does preeclampsia start?

Preeclampsia can develop earlier in pregnancy, although it usually does so after 20 weeks. Preeclampsia usually develops at or close to term (37 weeks gestation). Postpartum preeclampsia, which typically develops in the first few days to a week following delivery, is another kind of preeclampsia that can develop after childbirth. Rarely does it starts a few weeks after delivery.

Will preeclampsia affect the baby?

Yes, preeclampsia can affect the baby. It may lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and, in some cases, affect the baby's health due to reduced oxygen or nutrients.

How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed during prenatal care. The most common tests used to diagnose preeclampsia are:

• Blood pressure test: Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at each prenatal checkup. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher on two separate occasions at least four hours apart, you may have preeclampsia.
• Urine test: Your doctor will also test your urine for protein. If you have excess protein in your urine, it may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose preeclampsia include:

• Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your kidney function, liver function, and platelet count.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound, may be used to check the blood flow to the placenta and baby.

How is preeclampsia treated?

Treatment for preeclampsia: There is no treatment for preeclampsia, and the only way to resolve it is to deliver the baby. However, depending on the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the baby, your healthcare provider may recommend one of the following preeclampsia treatments:

Mild preeclampsia: If you have mild preeclampsia, you may be able to manage the condition at home with close monitoring. This may include:

• Taking blood pressure medications, such as labetalol or nifedipine
• Getting plenty of rest
• Avoiding strenuous activity
• Following a healthy diet that is low in salt and high in protein

Moderate to severe preeclampsia: If you have moderate to severe preeclampsia, you will need to be hospitalised for close monitoring and preeclampsia treatment. This may include:

• Taking blood pressure medications
• Magnesium sulphate to prevent seizures
• Corticosteroids to help mature the baby's lungs
• Delivery, if necessary

Delivery: If your preeclampsia is severe or if the baby is not growing well, your healthcare provider may recommend early delivery. This may be done via induction of labour or caesarean section.

After delivery: After you deliver your baby, your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs for several weeks. This is to make sure that your preeclampsia resolves completely.

Is there a cure for preeclampsia?

The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta. However, if the condition is detected early, management strategies such as bed rest, medication, and close monitoring can help control preeclampsia symptoms and prevent complications.

How can I reduce my risk of getting preeclampsia?

There is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. 
• Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of salt, saturated, and trans fats.
• Get regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

Can you prevent preeclampsia?

While prevention methods for preeclampsia aren't guaranteed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular prenatal care, managing preexisting conditions like hypertension, and taking low-dose aspirin as advised by a doctor may lower the risk in some cases.

What are the most common complications of preeclampsia?

The most common complications of preeclampsia in pregnancy include:

• Foetal growth restriction (FGR): Preeclampsia can affect the blood supply to the placenta, leading to FGR. FGR is a condition in which the baby does not grow normally in the womb.
• Preterm birth: Preeclampsia can also lead to preterm birth, which is delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm birth can increase the risk of health problems for the baby.
• HELLP syndrome: HELLP syndrome is a rare but a condition that can develop in women with preeclampsia. HELLP stands for hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
• Eclampsia: Eclampsia is a rare and life-threatening complication of preeclampsia that is characterised by seizures.

Does preeclampsia go away after delivery?

Yes, usually, after the baby is born, preeclampsia gets better. Your blood pressure can take a few days or weeks to return to normal. But sometimes, it might stick around for a bit after giving birth. Doctors will keep an eye on it to make sure everything goes back to how it should be. Rarely, it might even show up or stay after having the baby, which needs more attention from the doctors.

When should I see a doctor?

It's essential to see a doctor if you notice any signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy, like sudden swelling, headaches, vision changes, or belly pain. Also, if you have high blood pressure or protein in your urine, tell your doctor immediately. Take your next appointment if you're worried. 

Getting regular prenatal checkups is crucial, too. Even after having the baby, if you feel unwell, have severe headaches, or notice sudden swelling, it's wise to call the doctor. They'll help determine if it's something to be concerned about and how to take care of it.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You might want to ask about things like-

• How do you recognise signs of preeclampsia?
• What to do if you notice any preeclampsia symptoms?
• How often should you go for checkups?
• Ask about the baby's health and growth.
• What to expect during labour?

It's good to ask about your concerns, like diet, exercise, or any medications to keep you and the baby healthy.

What's the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia?

Preeclampsia can affect the blood supply to the placenta, which can lead to foetal growth restriction and preterm birth. It can also cause severe other preeclampsia complications, such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.

Eclampsia is a rare but life-threatening complication of preeclampsia. It is characterised by seizures or coma in a woman who has preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur during pregnancy, labour, or postpartum (after delivery).

What is postpartum preeclampsia?

Postpartum preeclampsia in pregnancy is a rare but a condition that can develop after childbirth. It is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, just like preeclampsia in pregnancy. However, postpartum preeclampsia can develop up to 6 weeks after delivery.

This can caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Changes in blood vessels
• Inflammation
• Abnormal blood clotting

Postpartum preeclampsia is more common in women who have preeclampsia in pregnancy.

Conclusion

You might not even be conscious that you have preeclampsia, which is a dangerous illness. Attending all of your prenatal visits and being honest about all of your pregnancy preeclampsia symptoms are crucial. You can get all your pregnancy tests done at

Metropolis Labs. Your blood samples are collected at home by a team of skilled blood collection technicians and processed at advanced diagnostic facilities. The reports are distributed electronically via email and the Metropolis TruHealth app.