Pre-Eclampsia

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, & signs of damage to other organs like the liver & kidneys.

It can be deadly to both the baby & mother if left untreated.

Typically, it begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women with NORMAL blood pressure, often presenting with NO symptoms.

What are the common risk factors?

• First pregnancy
• Obesity
• Family history of Pre-eclampsia
• Twins pregnancy or more
• Age above 40 years old

What are the signs and symptoms?

• High blood pressure 140/90 mmHg
• Protein in the urine
• More or less urine
• Weight gain
• Seizure
• Edema or swelling of face and fingers
• Blurry vision
• Headache that is not relieved with painkillers like Paracetamol

Pre-Eclampsia Signs & Symptoms

• Increased BP
• Weight Gain
• Proteinuria
• Facial Puffiness
• Pedal Edema

Complications:

Pre-eclampsia is associated with few complications affecting both mother and baby, thus is it essential that you reach out for medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

If any of these occurs, kindly proceed to emergency department for immediate treatment.

What are the management?

1. Stabilize mother by controlling blood pressure and performing blood tests to monitor bodily functions
2.  Monitor baby’s condition by frequent fetal heart tracing known as CTG and ultrasound
3. Ultimate delivery either preterm or term according to the condition.
4. Increase protein in the diet
5. Promote rest

Related Treatments

Frequently Asked Questions