New Delhi: Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterised by the presence of high-blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) during pregnancy.
According to data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India, is the leading cause of maternal mortality
The first symptoms of Preeclampsia include high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Preeclamptic women also often have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. This condition is said to appear during the second half of pregnancy, often in the latter part of the second or early third trimesters. However, it can occur earlier too.
If this condition goes unnoticed, preeclampsia can lead to a more complicated condition called eclampsia that can put the mother and baby’s life at risk. In rare cases, preeclampsia can cause death. Women with preeclampsia who have seizures are considered to have eclampsia.
Dr. Anubha Singh, Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist from Shantah IVF Centre informed that “about 10% pregnant women are detected to be suffering from preeclampsia. Headache, overall swelling and dizziness are other symptoms. However, not all pregnant women with these symptoms are preeclamptic. There is no way to treat the illness per say. Delivering the baby is usually the only cure. Usually this condition automatically gets treated in 10 days after delivery. In some cases, the condition is also known to take six months after delivery.”
Causes of Pre-eclampsia:
There is no exact cause of preeclampsia and the subsequent stage eclampsia. Although some researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat, or insufficient blood flow to the uterus as a few possible causes. Genetics are also said to play a major role. Lifestyle changes as we as late pregnancies are said to contribute tremendously.
Singh also states that “diabetes, high BP, obesity, late pregnancy and family history of pre-eclampsia are probable causes of this medical condition. Pre-eclampsia is common in Indian women, affecting between two to eight in 100 women during pregnancy. Around one in 200 women (0.5 per cent) develop severe pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Stress of metro cities is the major cause.”
Signs and symptoms of Preeclampsia:
A few signs pointing towards preeclampsia consist:
• Obesity in the woman
• Diabetes
• Family history of hypertension
• Sudden weight gain
• Pedal swelling
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Decrease in urine output
• Blurry vision, flashing lights
However, it is not necessary that all the above mentioned symptoms can be found in one patient.
Who are at risk?
Preeclampsia is most often seen in first-time pregnancies and in women over 40. Other risk factors include:
(ANI)