Pre-eclampsia

See also : Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia or preeclampsia is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure and significant amounts of protein in the urine of a pregnant woman. If left untreated, it can develop into eclampsia, the life-threatening occurrence of seizures during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Preeclampsia can develop gradually but often starts abruptly, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia may range from mild to severe. If your blood pressure was normal before your pregnancy, signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) — 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater — documented on two occasions, at least six hours but no more than seven days apart
• Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria)
• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Upper abdominal pain, usually under your ribs on the right side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Decreased urine output
• Sudden weight gain, typically more than 2 pounds (0.9 kilogram) a week
• Swelling (edema), particularly in your face and hands, often accompanies preeclampsia. Swelling isn't considered a reliable sign of preeclampsia, however, because it also occurs in many normal pregnancies.

Risk factors

• History of preeclampsia. A personal or family history of preeclampsia increases your risk of developing the condition.
• First pregnancy. The risk of developing preeclampsia is highest during your first pregnancy.
• New paternity. Each pregnancy with a new partner increases the risk of preeclampsia over a second or third pregnancy with the same partner.
• Age. The risk of preeclampsia is higher for pregnant women younger than 20 and older than 40.
• Obesity. The risk of preeclampsia is higher if you're obese.
• Multiple pregnancy. Preeclampsia is more common in women who are carrying twins, triplets or other multiples.
• Prolonged interval between pregnancies. This seems to increase the risk of preeclampsia.
• Diabetes and gestational diabetes. Women who develop gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia as the pregnancy progresses.
• History of certain conditions. Having certain conditions before you become pregnant — such as chronic high blood pressure, migraine headaches, diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus — increases the risk of preeclampsia.
• Having other health conditions. There's some evidence that both urinary tract infections and periodontal disease during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, which may indicate that antibiotics could play a role in prevention of preeclampsia. More study is needed.
• Vitamin D insufficiency. There's also some evidence that insufficient vitamin D intake increases the risk of preeclampsia, and that vitamin D supplements in early pregnancy could play a role in prevention. More study is needed.
• High levels of certain proteins. Pregnant women who had high levels of certain proteins in their blood or urine have been found to be more likely to develop preeclampsia than are other women. These proteins interfere with the growth and function of blood vessels — lending evidence to the theory that preeclampsia is caused by abnormalities in the blood vessels feeding the placenta. Although more research is needed, the discovery suggests that a blood or urine test may one day serve as an effective screening tool for preeclampsia.

Home remedies

• DHA is thought to prevent certain health problems associated with pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.
• Vitamin C helps Reducing complications of a high-risk pregnancy (pre-eclampsia).
• Vitamin E helps against High blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia).
• Low vitamin D levels increase risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Antioxidant Supplements : In a 2003 study, researchers found that women with higher levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin had a decreased preeclampsia risk compared to those with low levels of these antioxidant vitamins.
• Stress Reduction : Studies on the role of stress in the development of preeclampsia have yielded mixed results so far. However, some research suggests that stress may increase your risk for the condition. To lower your stress levels, consider taking up a daily stress management routine that includes practices such as prenatal yoga, meditation, tai chi, deep breathing, or guided imagery.
• Drink tea prepared with celery leaves daily.
• Cut a slice of raw beetroot, squeeze lime juice over it and refrigerate it overnight. Have one slice everyday.
• Eat 2 cloves of fresh garlic everyday.
• Drink tea made of red raspberry leaves, nettle and dandelion leaves throughout the pregnancy.

Diet for preeclampsia

Warnings

• Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both you and your baby.
• Contact your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if you have severe headaches, blurred vision or severe pain in your abdomen.
• Because headaches, nausea, and aches and pains are common pregnancy complaints, it's difficult to know when new symptoms are simply part of being pregnant and when they may indicate a serious problem — especially if it's your first pregnancy. If you're concerned about your symptoms, contact your doctor.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.