05/02/2022
May is National Preeclampsia Awareness Month- today we kick off a month of ensuring that EVERY mother in any pregnancy knows the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
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Via .awareness -
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Let’s talk 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐀‼️
This is another serious complication of pregnancy related to blood pressure and it can affect all of the organs in a woman’s body. Typically it occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can also occur in the postpartum period. Preeclampsia occurs when there is high blood pressure and other signs signaling that the organs are not working properly. One of the most looked at signs is proteinuria, or protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is classified as “with or without severe features”. When the condition worsens and more signs and symptoms develop, we call it preeclampsia with severe features - low platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, upper right abdominal pain, severe headache, shortness of breath or fluid in the lungs, nausea/vomiting, swelling and vision changes.
What are the risk factors?
🔹First pregnancy
🔹Previously had preeclampsia or a family history of preeclampsia
🔹Have a history of chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or both
🔹> 40 years old
🔹Multiples pregnancy (twins, etc)
🔹Diabetes, lupus, thrombophilia, obesity
🔹IVF pregnancy
Treatment will be based on the severity of the condition. Usually the treatment options consist of:
🔸Magnesium sulfate administration to prevent seizures - it also offers neuroprotection for the baby if you’re under 32 weeks
🔸Medications called antihypertensives to lower your blood pressure - labetalol, hydralazine and nifedipine
🔸Medication to help mature baby’s lungs called betamethasone
🔸Delivery
𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 is key to preventing complications. Worldwide, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders are a leading cause of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Understand the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the disease and ensure you’re communicating with your healthcare team and attended all scheduled and recommended prenatal and postpartum appointments.
