Are you at risk of preeclampsia? Learn about this pregnancy complication – Dr Prathima Reddy

Are you an
expecting Mom? While the joy of impending motherhood is certainly exciting,
there’s important information to be aware of as you embark on this incredible journey.

Preeclampsia is a syndrome that manifests during pregnancy, characterised by
elevated blood pressure and signs of organ damage, typically affecting the
heart, liver, and kidneys. This condition is usually identified after the 20th
week of pregnancy and can impact both the expectant mother and the developing
foetus.

Preeclampsia can
be tricky to detect, and one should be extra cautious of the symptoms and
should not ignore even a small sign of it.

Talking openly with the doctor will help
manage the condition positively to ensure maximum protection for the baby and mother,
says Dr Prathima Reddy, Director & Lead Consultant, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore.

Signs
and Symptoms:

• Watch
  out for increased blood pressure (hypertension), often with headaches and
  visual disturbance.
• There can be swelling of
  hands and face or sudden weight gain.
• Continuous nausea or
  vomiting may imply severe preeclampsia.

Risk
Factors:

• These include having a
  family history of preeclampsia.
• Take heed if you are
  pregnant with twins or more, as well as if you are suffering from a previously
  existing illness (high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and the like).

Complications:

• The two incidences that come
  along with it are premature birth and low birth weight of the baby
• In severe instances, it may
  progress to eclampsia, marked by seizures, thereby posing serious risks to the
  mother’s life.

Regular
Prenatal Check-ups:

• Regular check-ups will help
  the physician monitor your blood pressure and preeclampsia symptoms during your
  visits.
• If preeclampsia is detected
  early chances are higher for both mother and baby to have a better prognosis.

Lifestyle
Modifications:

• To be in good health, it is
  necessary to have a balanced diet, especially fruits and vegetables and
  whole-grain products.
• Engage in physical activity
  under your physician’s supervision. This could involve following a recommended
  exercise routine tailored by your doctor.
• Stressed out? Try breathing
  deeply or signing up for prenatal yoga classes.

Know
When to Seek Help:

• Do not wait, call your
  doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms that could be worrying
• Preeclampsia can only be
  effectively managed through emergency medical attention.

The
Power of Support:

Have
open conversations with your healthcare team, partner, and family regarding
your concerns and the experiences you’ve encountered in this matter.

When
a woman is aware of preeclampsia, she is empowered to take proactive steps to
ensure the safe and healthy birth of her baby. In the exciting journey of
motherhood, the path ahead is one of upward progress.

Knowledge is key, so stay
informed, remain vigilant, implement lifestyle adjustments, and approach
pregnancy with confidence.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.