Pre Eclampsia In Pregnancy. I've heard about pre eclampsia. What is it? Pre eclampsia is development of the following symptoms: - hypertension (high blood pressure)
- protein in the urine
- swelling, usually in the legs, but also elsewhere in the body ,
- changes in muscle reflexes
Pre eclampsia develops in about 5% of all pregnancies, usually in a woman's first pregnancy. Why is pre eclampsia serious during pregnancy? Pre eclampsia occurs only during pregnancy. It is serious because it can lead to eclampsia. What is eclampsia? Eclampsia refers to seizures or convulsions in a woman with pre eclampsia. What is a seizure? A seizure is a loss of body control, similar to passing out. Seizures often include twitching, shaking or convulsions of the body. If you think you've had a seizure, call your doctor immediately!
How can I know if my pre-eclampsia is getting worse and I am beginning to develop eclampsia? Watch for any of the following warning signs: - pain under the ribs on the right side
- headache
- seeing spots or other changes in your vision
If my legs are swollen, does it mean I have pre-eclampsia? No. Most pregnant women experience some swelling in various parts of the body. Development of pre eclampsia includes evidence of the other symptoms in addition to swelling. Does an elevation in my blood pressure mean I am getting pre-eclampsia? Again, you may experience some of the symptoms without having pre-eclampsia. What causes preeclampsia? Researchers have not been able to isolate a definite cause for pre-eclampsia, but it occurs most often during a woman's first pregnancy. How is preeclampsia treated? The goal in treating pre-eclampsia is to avoid seizures, which can occur if the woman develops eclampsia. The first step in treatment is bed rest. The woman is also advised to drink lots of water, and to avoid salt and foods containing large amounts of sodium. If pre eclampsia doesn't get better with bed rest, drinking fluids and avoiding sodium, then what? In some cases, medication is prescribed to prevent seizures. These medications include magnesium sulfate, antiseizure medicines, such as phenobarbital, and medications that reduce blood pressure. Is there any way to prevent pre eclampsia? At this time, there is no reliable way to prevent pre-eclampsia. According to a recent study, if you consume between 1,500 and 2,000mg of calcium a day during pregnancy, you may lower your risk of developing the problem by at least 60%.
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