Contents:
- Medical Video: Preeclampsia Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Overview of preeclampsia in pregnant women
- Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia in pregnant women
- Symptoms of preeclampsia seen in the fetus in the womb
- Complications of preeclampsia
Medical Video: Preeclampsia Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
About 10 to 15 percent of pregnant women worldwide die from preeclampsia. There is no treatment that can cure preeclampsia in pregnant women. That is why, it is important for pregnant women to know the symptoms of preeclampsia early to reduce the risk of more severe complications.
Overview of preeclampsia in pregnant women
Preeclampsia is a complication of serious pregnancy caused by high blood pressure, even though the pregnant woman does not have a history of hypertension before.
This condition usually occurs in pregnancies entering the age of 20 weeks. If not treated properly, this disease can cause serious complications in the mother and life of the baby.
Preeclampsia occurs because of a disruption in the growth and development of the placenta. This causes disruption of blood flow to infants and mothers. In early pregnancy, blood vessels begin to develop perfectly to bring blood to the placenta.
But in women who have preeclampsia, their blood vessel development is not perfect. These vessels narrow and do not respond to stimulant hormones that cause a decrease in the amount of blood.
The causes of this phenomenon can be a lack of blood flow to the uterus, damage to blood vessels, immune system problems, and maternal DNA.
Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia in pregnant women
The following are some signs and symptoms of preeclampsia to watch out for:
- Blood pressure reaches more than 140/90 mmHG
- Very severe headache
- Feel very unwell
- Drastic weight gain because it is caused by fluid retention
- Suddenly experience swelling in the legs, ankles, face and hands
- Vision problems, such as blurring or seeing flashing lights
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Pain just below the rib cage
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing due to fluid in the lungs
- Rarely urinate
- There is protein in the urine (this is known after doing a urine check)
Headaches, nausea, aches and pains are common pregnancy complaints, especially if it is your first pregnancy. That is why, if you suspect you experience symptoms of preeclampsia as mentioned above, immediately seek the nearest medical treatment or contact your doctor.
Symptoms of preeclampsia seen in the fetus in the womb
The most typical symptom of preeclampsia in an unborn baby is slow growth. This is caused by poor blood supply through the placenta to the baby.
This condition makes babies get less oxygen and nutrients so that it affects their development. This event causes the baby to experience limited intra-uterine growth.
Although less common, this condition can also occur for the first time during the first six weeks after giving birth.
Most people only experience mild symptoms. But it is important to treat these symptoms immediately so as not to get worse or complications occur. Generally, the earlier the preeclampsia is detected, the greater the chance of mothers and pregnant women to avoid the risk of complications.
Complications of preeclampsia
If not treated immediately, preeclampsia can cause cervical complications, including:
- Seizures (eclampsia)
- Organ disorders such as pulmonary edema, kidney failure, and liver failure
- Blood clotting disorders
- Stillbirth (stillbirth)
- Premature birth
In addition, preeclampsia can also result in HELLP Syndrome, iehemolysis, elevated liver enzyme, andlow platelet count or in Indonesian it is called hemolysis, an increase in liver enzymes, and a low platelet count. Preeclampsia together with the HELLP syndrome can cause maternal mortality associated with hypertension.
