I’m 38 weeks pregnant today…bedrest & bored! but gives me time to share @DrSherylRoss warnings about #preeclampsia #ImInGoodHands PRE-ECLAMPSIA IN PREGNANCY, WHO’S AT RISK? Dr. Sherry Ross OBGYN, Womens Health Expert santamonicawomenshealth/about_us/sheryl_ross.asp Older moms have yet another thing to worry about once they get pregnant. Since 40 is the new 30 when it comes to getting pregnant, this group of more mature moms have to be aware of the risk of getting pre-eclampsia and what to look-out for. WHAT IS PRE-ECLAMPSIA? Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious blood pressure problem that can affect almost every organ system in a woman’s body…this includes your most important organ, the uterus which is carrying your growing baby. Pre-eclampsia complicates up to 8% of pregnancies. Classically, high blood pressure (medically known as hypertension) is the main symptom along with high levels of protein in the urine and swelling of the feet/ankles (cankles), legs, hands and face. Pre-eclampsia can affect other organ systems in the body making this a dangerous disease for both mom and baby. Classic Signs of Pre-eclampsia occurring after 20 weeks include: • High blood pressures >140/90 • Proteinuria or high levels of protein in the urine • Other abnormalities including low platelets in the blood, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the right upper abdomen, changes in vision, fluid in the lungs or severe headaches. You may experience high blood pressure without any other sign of pre-eclampsia. Others may present with protein in the urine and have normal blood pressures. Other Signs and Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia include: • Swelling of face and hands. • A headache that will not go away • Seeing spots or changes in eyesight • Pain in the upper abdomen or shoulder • Nausea and vomiting after 20 weeks • Sudden weight gain • Difficulty breathing It’s incredibly important to be aware of how you are feeling and not mimize any unusual sign or symptom that could be related to pre-eclampsia. Monitoring home blood pressures is a must if you are high risk or the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia has been made. Always notify your obstetrician when something doesn’t feel quite right. WHAT CUASES PRE-ECLAMPSIA? No one is really sure why some women develop pre-eclampsia but we can say who is at risk. These women are at risk for developing pre-eclampsia: • Pregnant for the first time especially in your teens or older then 40 • Had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy or have a family history of pre-eclampsia • Have a history of chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or both • 40 years or older • Carrying more than one baby—twins and triplets • Have certain medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, thrombophilia or lupus • Obesity • Had In vitro Fertilization (IVF) Severe Pre-eclampsia can cause rare but serious complications to mom and baby: • Seizures • Stroke • Pulmonary edema or water in the lungs • Blindness • Heart Failure • HELLP syndrome-Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets causing damage to several organ systems. • Placental abruption • Fetal death PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND AUTISM--IS THERE A LINK? A recent study found children born to mothers who had pre-eclampsia were almost twice as likely to develop autism, developmental and cognitive function delay disorders. Research showed “the sicker a mother was with pre-eclampsia the more likely autism may occur in their child.” More research is needed to better understand this association. TREATMENT FOR PRE-ECLAMPSIA If the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is made the treatment is delivery but it ultimately depends on what signs and symptoms you are experiencing, how far along you are in the pregnancy and how premature/mature the baby may be. Mild pre-eclampsia can be closely monitored with frequent visits to your obstetrician, bed-rest and home blood pressure checks until the baby is fully mature. Severe pre-eclampsia is dangerous to both mom and baby and immediate delivery is necessary regardless how far along you are in pregnancy. Once the baby has been delivered the signs and symptoms related to pre-eclampsia will go away within 6 weeks. Know the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia and if you are at risk. As a patient, you always need to be your best health care advocate.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 20:06:39 +0000
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