Mums and Bubs
Though pregnant women who have high blood pressure have healthy babies, this condition known as preeclampsia may be dangerous for them and their babies. Preeclampsia is a health condition that may develop at about the 20th week of pregnancy. This is a condition that is associated with high blood pressure as well as with proteins in the urine of pregnant women. This may happen because of some kidney problems. Preeclampsia may affect the placenta as well as the pregnant woman’s kidney, liver and also her brain. There are times when preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia especially when seizures occur. This condition may cause death to the pregnant woman and her fetus.
Preeclampsia may also cause complications for the fetus and may contribute to low birth weight, to premature birth and also to stillbirth. There are still no proven ways that can be suggested in order to prevent this condition among pregnant women. The only way for it to go away is for pregnant women to deliver their babies. Pregnant women who are affected by preeclampsia need close monitoring to decrease further complications. There are some women who are prone to preeclampsia condition like those who are suffering from chronic hypertension or high blood pressure even before they got pregnant.
Women who have also developed preeclampsia on their previous pregnancy may likely have this condition again in succeeding pregnancies. Those who are below 20 years old or more than 40 years old may also expect to develop preeclampsia during pregnancy. At times this may be caused by having more than one baby at a time. Pregnant women will have to be very observant as to the signs that they are feeling aside from having higher levels of blood pressure and the presence of protein in their urine. They may feel headaches often or may experience blurred vision and sensitivity to light. There are instances when they may have some abdominal pains.
Women will have to prepare themselves before getting pregnant. They will have to consult with their doctors especially if they have higher than normal blood pressure. Women may have to change their lifestyles from the food that they eat to the activities that they do. They may need to decrease their weight in order to have healthier pregnancies. Women who are under medication for hypertension have to check with their doctors if they can continue with it if they get pregnant. There are appropriate medications that may be given to them especially when they are pregnant.
Pregnant women who develop preeclampsia need to visit their doctors regularly for proper monitoring. They may still be able to deliver healthy babies in the end if they ensure that they follow all precautionary measures and their doctor’s advices and recommendations.
