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
