Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia Latest News

Recently, World Preeclampsia Day (May 22) was observed, to increase awareness about preeclampsia.

About Preeclampsia

• It is a serious condition that develops during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks or so,
• It is often marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and this condition can also affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, liver and brain.
• Untreated preeclampsia can have serious, even fatal consequences for the mother and baby.
• In some women, preeclampsia may develop after the delivery of the baby; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.
• What causes preeclampsia? The exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, but researchers believe it may have come from a problem with the health of the placenta (the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus). 

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Symptoms of Preeclampsia

• Many people with preeclampsia do not have any symptoms.
• For those that do, some of the first signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and retaining water (this can cause weight gain and swelling).
• Other signs of preeclampsia include Headaches, Blurry vision or light sensitivity, Dark spots appearing in your vision, Right side abdominal pain, Swelling in your hands and face (edema), and Shortness of breath.

Treatment for Preeclampsia

• The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth.
• Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more.
• Treatment, if necessary, is based on how far along the pregnancy is, and may include induced labor or a Caesarean section (C-section).

Prevalence of Preeclampsia

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preeclampsia affects 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. 
• There are around 46,000 maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia per year and around 5,00,000 foetal or newborn deaths. Preeclampsia and eclampsia (a complication of preeclampsia) are responsible for approximately 10% of maternal deaths in Asia and Africa.

Preeclampsia FAQs

Q1: When do preeclampsia symptoms start?

Ans: Pre-eclampsia rarely happens before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Q2: Who is at high risk for preeclampsia?

Ans: Maternal age of 35 or older. 

Q3: What causes preeclampsia?

Ans: Pre-eclampsia is thought to be caused by the placenta not developing properly due to a problem with the blood vessels supplying it.

Source: TH