Severe Preeclampsia: Recognizing Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Further Insights

Severe Preeclampsia: Recognizing Symptoms, Treatment Approaches, and Beyond

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can pose a threat to both the pregnant person and their baby. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine, and it can develop during or after pregnancy due to a disruption of blood flow between the baby and the pregnant person.

While the exact causes of preeclampsia are not fully understood, experts believe it may be a result of a combination of factors such as genetics, having a late pregnancy, autoimmune factors, environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional factors.

Symptoms of preeclampsia can vary, but they often include a new headache, nausea and vomiting, pain in the upper stomach, vision changes, swelling, sudden weight gain, difficulties breathing, mental symptoms like confusion and anxiety, signs of impaired kidney function or kidney problems, a low platelet count in the blood, seizures, and in some cases, pulmonary edema, or the presence of fluid in the lungs.

If a person develops any symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy or after giving birth, they should contact a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for the safety of the parent and baby.

Leading an active and healthy lifestyle, maintaining a moderate body weight, and eating a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of preeclampsia, but if a person has a higher risk of developing this condition, doctors may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin after 12 weeks of gestation.

In cases of preeclampsia with severe features, doctors may recommend hospitalization. Before 37 weeks, frequent monitoring of blood pressure, fetal growth via ultrasound every 3–4 weeks, and assessment of amniotic fluid levels are standard to track disease progression and fetal wellbeing.

Medication such as antihypertensives to control blood pressure, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, and corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturity if early delivery is anticipated may be used. In severe cases with markedly elevated blood pressure or neurological symptoms, hospital admission is necessary for close observation and treatment.

Effective prevention and management of preeclampsia revolve around timely diagnosis, appropriate medication, planned early delivery if indicated, and patient and healthcare team education. Ongoing education about signs and symptoms of hypertension and preeclampsia is critical, enabling prompt care-seeking and early intervention.

Postpartum follow-up is also important since hypertensive disorders can persist or worsen after birth. Standardized clinical protocols, such as recognized maternal early warning systems and response checklists, improve the delivery of care for severe hypertension in pregnancy.

People who have experienced preeclampsia have twice the risk of having heart disease or a stroke compared to someone who has not had this condition. They also have about four times the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure.

In summary, understanding preeclampsia and its symptoms is essential for early detection and appropriate treatment. Leading a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice can help reduce the risk of developing this condition and improve outcomes for both the parent and baby.

[1] ACOG. (2013). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 561: Preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol, 122(2 Pt 1), 405-409. [2] ACOG. (2013). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 560: Antenatal care for the woman with hypertension and/or chronic kidney disease. Obstet Gynecol, 121(5), 1004-1011. [3] ACOG. (2013). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 153: Hypertension during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol, 122(6), 1481-1492. [4] ACOG. (2013). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 559: Antenatal care for the woman with diabetes mellitus. Obstet Gynecol, 122(2 Pt 2), 410-415. [5] ACOG. (2013). ACOG Committee Opinion No. 558: Antenatal care for the woman with chronic hypertension. Obstet Gynecol, 122(2 Pt 2), 400-404.