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What Is Preeclampsia?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  What Is Preeclampsia?
           Preeclampsia (also referred to as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Toxemia) is a hypertensive disorder that causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and restricted blood flow to organs such as the brain or uterus.  Although not noticed by all women with preeclampsia, symptoms include swelling, persistent headaches, changes in vision, upper abdomen pain, and excessive vomiting.  The most visibly noticeable symptom is swelling, since the blood vessels change with this disorder, the capillaries may seep extra fluid into tissues, resulting in swelling in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

 		   

  Risk factors
           Unfortunately, not enough research has been done to define specific risk factors for preeclampsia.    However, experts believe a woman may be at a higher risk than others of developing preeclampsia if she is in any of the following categories:
  • A woman who has chronic hypertension, diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, or lupus, as these conditions reduce blood flow to the uterus
  • A woman who has had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
  • A woman who has a relative with preeclampsia
  • A woman who is obese
  • A woman who is carrying multiple babies
  • A woman who is younger than 20 years old
  • A woman who is older than 40 years old

 		   

  Diagnosing
           A pregnant woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia if she has high blood pressure and her urine sample has protein in it.  Most commonly, this disorder is identified during a regular prenatal visit around the 37th week of pregnancy but can occur anytime during pregnancy.  When the blood vessels in the kidneys seep fluid, extra protein is deposited in the urine, resulting in an elevated protein level.

 		   

  Restrictions and Limitations
           Most women who are diagnosed around week 37 have a mild form of preeclampsia that clears up once the baby is delivered.  In these cases, the mother is usually induced if the cervix is beginning to thin out or a c-section is scheduled.  If a woman is diagnosed with mild preeclampsia prior to week 37, she is asked to limit her activities (also called modified bed rest) and her blood pressure is monitored.       

       However, in severe cases diagnosed prior to week 37, the mother must deliver the baby early as the disorder affects the blood flow to the uterus, which could mean the baby has too little amniotic fluid around him and the risk of placental abruption becomes too high.  Placental abruption is when the placenta completely separates from the uterine wall before delivery, taking away the baby's vital link to its mother for both nutrients and waste removal.  In severe cases the woman is hospitalized until it is time for her to deliver.       

       Take the time to talk to your regular prenatal doctor about any additional questions or concerns you may have about preeclampsia.

 		   

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