Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy-related complication which causes high blood pressure. It is defined by high blood pressure and the protein present in your urine. This condition can affect various organs leading to serious complications which can turn fatal sometimes for both mother and baby if not managed properly.
Early detection and management are crucial for minimising complications. Management strategies depend on the severity of the condition and the stage of pregnancy. To get a more detailed explanation on preeclampsia, how it causes deaths and understanding ways to prevent it, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Pratibha Singhal, Director - Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Noida.
What Is Preeclampsia?
When asked, Dr Singhal said, “Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine which typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy.”
Explaining the key features of preeclampsia, Dr Singhal said, “Hypertension or a blood pressure reading 140/90 mm or higher and urinary protein (proteinuria) level of 300 ml or more found in urine sample are the two major factors of determining preeclampsia. However, in some cases preeclampsia may occur with other signs such as severe headaches and vision problems including blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, and in severe cases, temporary blindness.” Upper abdominal pain, nausea, swelling and shortness of breath are other possible symptoms of preeclampsia as per Dr Singhal.
Also read: Preeclampsia: Symptoms And What Are Its Long Term Effects
Complications
If not properly managed, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
For the Mother:
Eclampsia: Seizures that can lead to coma and potentially death.
HELLP Syndrome: A severe form of pre-eclampsia involving hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
Organ Damage: Liver and kidney failure, and cardiovascular complications.
Stroke: Due to extremely high blood pressure.
For the Baby:
Preterm Birth: Leading to potential developmental issues and complications.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Poor foetal growth due to reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Placental Abruption: The placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, which can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.
Why Is It A Cause Of Deaths?
According to a study published by National Institute of Health, Over half a million women die each year from pregnancy related causes, 99% in low and middle income countries of which nearly 10-15% of deaths are caused by preeclampsia. It states, “Ten percent of women have high blood pressure during pregnancy, and preeclampsia complicates 2% to 8% of pregnancies.” Preeclampsia remains a significant cause of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity worldwide due to several factors.
Lack of Early Detection and Diagnosis
As per Dr Singhal, preeclampsia can develop insidiously and may not present obvious symptoms until it has progressed to a severe stage. “In many low-resource settings, routine prenatal care visits, which could facilitate early detection through blood pressure monitoring and urine tests for protein, are limited or unavailable,” she said.
Healthcare Access and Quality
Inadequate access to quality healthcare is a critical issue. Many women, especially in low- and middle-income countries, do not receive timely prenatal care. Additionally, there can be delays in diagnosis and treatment due to insufficient medical infrastructure, lack of trained healthcare providers, and limited access to necessary medications and equipment.
Socioeconomic Factors
“Poverty, lack of education, and remote living conditions contribute to delayed or insufficient prenatal care,” Dr Singhal explained. Women in these situations might not seek care until complications have already developed.
Underlying Health Conditions
Preeclampsia risk is higher in women with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. Inadequate management of these conditions before and during pregnancy increases the risk of severe pre-eclampsia.
Genetic and Environmental Factors
Genetic predisposition plays a role in the incidence of pre-eclampsia. Environmental factors, including diet and stress, can also contribute to the development and severity of the condition.
Also read: Here Are The Serious Complications of Pregnancy That You Should Know
How to Prevent Preeclampsia
Preventing pre-eclampsia involves a combination of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and medical management. Here are detailed strategies given by Dr Singhal to prevent preeclampsia.
Regular Prenatal Care
Dr Singhal emphasised on early and frequent visits to doctor for regular checkups. She said, “Women should start prenatal care early in pregnancy and attend all scheduled visits. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and urine protein levels can help in early detection of preeclampsia and this can allow appropriate treatment and early intervention.”
Lifestyle Modifications
It is advisable for pregnant women to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that supports overall health. Adequate intake of calcium and magnesium may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. Dr Singhal also recommends achieving and maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. “Obesity increases the risk of preeclampsia, so women should be encouraged to reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise,” she said. Regular physical activity, as advised by a healthcare provider, can help manage weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
Conclusion
Pre-eclampsia continues to pose a serious threat to maternal and foetal health, primarily due to late detection, inadequate healthcare access, and unmanaged risk factors. Prevention strategies focused on regular prenatal care, lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and education can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of pre-eclampsia. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure and provider training are crucial to ensure that all women receive the care they need to prevent and manage this condition effectively.