Watch your Blood Pressure if you are pregnant

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterized by the presence of high-blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) during pregnancy. 

According to data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India, is the leading cause of maternal mortality

The first symptoms of Pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Pre-eclamptic women also often have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. This condition is said to appear during the second half of pregnancy, often in the latter part of the second or early third trimesters. However, it can occur earlier too.

If this condition goes unnoticed, pre-eclampsia can lead to a more complicated condition called eclampsia that can put the mother and baby’s life at risk. In rare cases, pre-eclampsia can cause death. Women with pre-eclampsia who have seizures are considered to have pre-eclampsia.

About 10% pregnant women are detected to be suffering from pre-eclampsia. Headache, overall swelling and dizziness are other symptoms. However, not all pregnant women with these symptoms are pre-eclamptic. There is no way to treat the illness per say. Delivering the baby is usually the only cure. Usually this condition automatically gets treated in 10 days after delivery. In some cases the condition is also known to take six months after delivery.

Causes of Pre-eclampsia: 

There is no exact cause of pre-eclampsia and the subsequent stage eclampsia. Although some researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat, or insufficient blood flow to the uterus as a few possible causes. Genetics are also said to play a major role. Lifestyle changes as we as late pregnancies are said to contribute tremendously. 

Diabetes, high BP, obesity, late pregnancy and family history of pre-eclampsia are probable causes of this medical condition. Pre-eclampsia is common in Indian women, affecting between two to eight in 100 women during pregnancy. Around one in 200 women (0.5 per cent) develop severe pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Stress of metro cities is the major cause.”

Signs and symptoms of Pre-eclampsia:

A few signs pointing towards pre-eclampsia consist:

• Obesity in the woman 
• Diabetes 
• Family history of hypertension 
• Sudden weight gain
• Pedal swelling
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Decrease in urine output 
• Blurry vision, flashing lights

However, it is not necessary that all the above mentioned symptoms can be found in one patient. 

Who are at risk?

Pre-eclampsia is most often seen in first-time pregnancies and in women over 40. Other risk factors include: 

• A history of pre-eclampsia
• Having a mother or sister who had pre-eclampsia
• A history of obesity
• Carrying more than one baby
• History of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis

How does it affect?

A pre-eclampsia pregnant woman’s body prevents the placenta from receiving enough blood, which can cause the baby to be born tiny. It could also lead to premature birth, and the complications including learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision problems in the child. 

Also, women could (rarely) have serious complications that include:

• Stroke
• Seizure
• Water in the lungs
• Heart failure
• Reversible blindness
• Bleeding from the liver
• Bleeding after the delivery

In certain cases pre-eclampsia can lead to the placenta suddenly separating from the uterus, which in medical terminology is called placental abruption. This can cause stillbirth.

The fact that there is no way to cure pre-eclampsia makes this a rather scary condition. However, regular prenatal check ups can help diagnose pre-eclampsia early and help manage it easier.