Pre- Eclampsia (EDITED)

As many mums know Pre-eclampsia is often a common problem for some women during their pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia occurs in pregnancy after 20 weeks of pregnancy (usually in 2nd or 3rd trimesters) or later on in the 4th trimester of pregnancy... There are some women who can experience pre-eclampsia earlier as well....

The symptoms of pre-eclampsia are

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine (this is tested at each pregnancy check-up)
• Swelling of the ankles (this can also be caused by other problems so keep an eye on it and if the swelling doesn’t go down then seek medical advice)
• Strong or long lasting headaches
• Blurred vision
• Sudden weight gain (usually of more than 5kgs a week)

Its important to know that some of these symptoms can occur rapidly or slowly depending on how a mum may be feeling; sometimes having these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have pre-eclampsia so it is ALWAYS best to see your doctor so that they can monitor both mum and baby.

Who is at risk???

Statistics show that pre-eclampsia is more common in a woman’s first pregnancy and also in women whose mothers or sisters have suffered from this condition.

The is also made higher is the woman who is pregnant is:

• Over 40
• Carry multiple babies
• Young teenage mum
• Women with high blood pressure
• Women with Kidney Disease
• Women with Diabetes

The actual cause of pre-eclampsia still remains a mystery among doctors.

What is the treatment for pre-eclampsia????

If you suffer from pre-eclampsia then the best course of treatment is too deliver the baby. This isn’t always possible, especially if you are not far enough into your pregnancy.

If delivery isn't possible because it's too early in your pregnancy, steps can be taken to manage the pre-eclampsia until the baby can be delivered. These steps include:

• Helping your blood pressure drop with bed-rest or medicines
• Admitting you into hospital to keep a close eye on you and bub (this is often done if there is a reason why some mum can’t rest at home. Eg: other kids at home)

Sometimes your doctor may suggest that you take some Asprin or Calcium tablets. Only do this if its on a doctors advice. NEVER take these medications without speaking to you doctor first.