"Pressure Rising: The Silent Threat of Preeclampsia"

jennifernavarro292
Sep 17
4 min read

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Jennifer Navarro RN, MSN

Introduction

Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week or postpartum (after you deliver). Preeclampsia happens when there are changes in the way blood flows to the placenta, which is the organ that helps feed your baby during pregnancy. These changes can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients your baby receives, which may lead to certain problems for both you and your baby.

Preeclampsia is a common complication, with about 90% of cases appearing in the late preterm period (after 34 weeks but before 37 weeks’ gestation), at term, or even in the postpartum period. These cases generally have positive outcomes for both the parent and newborn. However, the remaining 10% of cases develop earlier in pregnancy (before 34 weeks) and are linked to significantly higher risks, including serious illness or death for the baby due to complications of preterm birth. Understanding these figures is crucial for anticipating the risks and ensuring appropriate monitoring and care.

What Causes this Condition?

If you’re diagnosed with preeclampsia, you might wonder why this condition happens. Preeclampsia starts with changes in the placenta, an organ that connects you and your baby during pregnancy. Sometimes, the blood vessels in the placenta don’t develop as they should early on, which reduces blood flow. This means the placenta—and your baby—might not get all the oxygen and nutrients they need.

This leads to the release of antiangiogenic factors a fancy word that just describes substances that inhibit or slow down the growth of new blood vessels in the placenta connecting mom and baby. These substances can affect your blood vessels, causing your blood pressure to rise (high blood pressure is also called hypertension).

In pregnancy hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. Severe hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mmHg. They may also make your blood vessels tighten up or spasm, which can lead to swelling, headaches, or other symptoms you might feel.

These changes can also affect the way your blood clots or how your kidneys and other organs work during pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important for your healthcare team to monitor you closely if you develop preeclampsia. With early attention and proper care, most people with preeclampsia go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Signs and Symptoms

If you develop preeclampsia, your healthcare team will want to look out for certain signs that help them confirm the diagnosis and keep you safe. Preeclampsia isn’t just about having high blood pressure during pregnancy—there are other symptoms and changes in your body that can happen, too.

Doctors may check your urine for protein, which is sometimes called "proteinuria." This can be a sign that your kidneys are being affected by preeclampsia. You might also experience symptoms like very bad headaches, changes in your vision (such as blurriness or seeing spots), or swelling, especially in your hands and face. Some people may have pain in the upper right side of their abdomen or under their ribs.

Preeclampsia can sometimes cause other complications, like trouble with how your blood clots, or changes in your liver or kidney function. These might show up in blood tests, which is why your healthcare team will check your blood and urine regularly. In serious cases, preeclampsia can affect the way your baby grows or how well the placenta is working, so your provider may do extra ultrasounds or monitoring to make sure your baby is safe.

It's important to let your provider know right away if you ever feel sudden or severe symptom such as:

· vision changes,

· severe headaches,

· difficulty breathing, or

· severe pain in your abdomen

Early detection and proper care can make a big difference for both you and your baby.

Risk Factors

There are over 80 risk factors for preeclampsia, but the most common ones are:

· Prior history of condition

· Preexisting medical conditions which can include diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and auto phospholipid syndrome.

· Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity,

· Chronic kidney disease,

· First time pregnancy, or twin and or triplet pregnancies,

· Advanced maternal age of 35 or greater or adolescents

· Family history of preeclampsia in a first-degree relative will increase the risk for preeclampsia.

How is Preeclampsia Treated?

The only true cure is delivery of the baby and placenta. Yet, there are some things you can do while pregnant and they include:

· Reduced physical activity to keep blood pressure from rising

· Taking blood pressure medications is prescribed by your doctor

· If needed, your doctor may give you magnesium sulfate through your IV after delivery to prevent seizures, based on specific criteria.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: