What Is Preeclampsia? Signs, Risks, and Treatments

Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and often accompanied by protein in the urine. The term “preeclampsia” is derived from Greek, with “pre-” meaning before and “eclampsia” referring to a condition characterized by seizures, a severe complication that can arise if preeclampsia is left untreated. 

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that typically arises after the 20th week of pregnancy, although it can also occur earlier or even postpartum, and it affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide. It poses risks to both the pregnant individual and their baby if not properly managed. 

Awareness, education, and early detection are key to reducing the impact of preeclampsia and ensuring the best possible outcomes for mothers and their children. 

Demographics and Symptoms Related to Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia does not discriminate and can affect pregnant individuals of any age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of its occurrence, such as a first-time pregnancy, being overweight, having a history of high blood pressure or diabetes, or carrying
multiple fetuses.

Symptoms of preeclampsia can vary but may include high blood pressure, swelling in the hands and face (edema), sudden weight gain, severe headaches, changes in vision, abdominal pain, and nausea or vomiting. It’s crucial to be aware of these symptoms and promptly seek medical attention if they arise.

Do you know the urgent maternal warning signs? Take this confidential, online quiz created by the CDC, and find resources to learn more. 

Prevention and Treatment of Preeclampsia

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, certain measures can help reduce the risk or severity of the condition. These include attending regular prenatal check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, managing preexisting conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Regular prenatal check-ups, healthy lifestyle habits, and managing preexisting conditions can help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Treatment for preeclampsia depends on the severity of the condition and how far along the pregnancy is. 

In mild cases, treatment for preeclampsia may involve close monitoring, lifestyle changes, and/or medication to lower blood pressure. Severe preeclampsia may require hospitalization and can lead to serious complications.

Complications and Awareness Associated With Preeclampsia

If left untreated or undetected for too long, preeclampsia can lead to severe health problems such as seizures (eclampsia), stroke, organ damage (such as liver or kidney failure), placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, which can result in long-term health issues for the baby.

Although outcomes are often positive, research shows preeclampsia can be devastating and life threatening; statistically, 10% to 15% of direct maternal deaths are associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia. 

Over half a million women die each year from pregnancy-related causes. In many low income countries, complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death amongst women of reproductive years.

Blood Pressure Is Key to a Healthy Pregnancy

According to the 2022 medical article “Preeclampsia Incidence and Its Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes With Associated Risk Factors,” hypertension is the major
factor based on which preeclampsia is diagnosed. 

Blood pressure plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Throughout the gestational period, blood pressure fluctuations are closely monitored as they can indicate underlying health concerns for both the mother and the developing fetus. 

Here’s how blood pressure contributes to a healthy pregnancy:

• Regulation of Blood Flow: Proper blood pressure ensures adequate blood flow to the placenta, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to the
  developing fetus.
• Prevention of Complications: Maintaining normal blood pressure levels reduces the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and eclampsia, which can endanger both maternal and fetal health.
• Fetal Development: Consistent blood pressure levels support optimal fetal growth and development by ensuring a steady supply of nutrients
  and oxygen to the baby.
• Monitoring Fetal Well-being: Blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy is often coupled with other assessments such as fetal heart rate monitoring, ultrasound scans, and fetal movement counts to gauge the well-being of the fetus.
• Prevention of Preterm Birth: Hypertension during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. By managing blood pressure, healthcare providers can help reduce this risk and promote full-term gestation.
• Detection of Gestational Hypertension: Regular blood pressure checks enable healthcare providers to identify gestational hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent complications.
• Risk Assessment for Preeclampsia: Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Monitoring blood pressure helps identify individuals at risk for preeclampsia, enabling proactive management strategies.
• Maternal Health: Maintaining optimal blood pressure levels during pregnancy reduces the risk of maternal complications such as stroke, organ damage, and cardiovascular issues.
• Labor and Delivery: Blood pressure monitoring continues during labor and delivery to ensure safe progression and timely interventions if hypertension or other issues arise.
• Postpartum Care: Blood pressure monitoring extends into the postpartum period to detect any lingering hypertension or complications that may arise after childbirth.

Since blood pressure serves as a critical indicator of maternal and fetal well-being throughout pregnancy, by monitoring and managing blood pressure levels, healthcare providers can optimize outcomes for both mother and baby, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

The Preeclampsia Foundation is an important resource, written in English and Spanish, offering valuable information about preeclampsia and blood pressure. With easy-to-follow instructions on how to measure and track your blood pressure at home, along with videos and related articles to support healthy pregnancies, patients can find tools to help them in this area. 

Medical Seating in L&D Settings Can Soothe Patients and Help Create Better Outcomes 

Medical seating in labor and delivery rooms plays a crucial role in enhancing patient comfort and experience, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes for both mothers and babies. 

Champion’s patient room recliners, such as the Augustine, exemplify our commitment to enhancing the patient experience through innovative design and functionality. 

By providing comfortable, supportive, and versatile seating options, we help create a soothing environment where new mothers can rest, recover, and bond with their babies during this special time. Thoughtful amenities improve patient comfort and contribute to better outcomes and overall satisfaction in labor and delivery settings.

To view our entire portfolio of products, browse our digital catalog. Then, request a quote for your facility.