I love the month of May. The days start to feel longer. I get to bring out my (much cuter) summer wardrobe. Mother’s Day arrives, allowing us to honor all the wonderful mamas of the world. And did you know that May has also been declared Preeclampsia Awareness Month?—
What is preeclampsia, you ask? And why is there a whole month dedicated to it?
Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and affects about 5 to 8 percent of women. It is characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) with protein present in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. The disorder can range from mild to severe and if left untreated, can lead to seizures, stroke, organ failure and death.
As a childbirth educator, I believe it’s important for pregnant moms to be aware of preeclampsia –which is treatable–so that they can reach out to their care provider and take action if they are experiencing any symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Women with preeclampsia can experience the following:
-Sudden swelling of the hands, feet and face that does not vary with time of day or activity
-Sudden weight gain
-Persistent headache
-Blurred vision
-Flashing lights or auras
-High blood pressure
-General unwell feeling
-Nausea and/or vomiting
-Pain in the upper abdomen or lower back (these areas of pain may be an indication of liver dysfunction)
Even though this is quite a long list of signs and symptoms, some women do not display any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of preeclampsia. That is one reason that your care provider checks your blood pressure and urine at every visit.
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms resemble general pregnancy discomforts. If you have a headache, it may really just be a headache. But if you are having several of the issues on listed, you should consult your care provider.
Risk factors
There is still some mystery as to the exact cause of preeclampsia. Although recent research has indicated preeclampsia could start from the placenta not properly adhering to the uterine wall, there is also the belief that those with preexisting high blood pressure and liver and kidney disorder are more prone to developing preeclampsia. Moms of multiples, first-time mothers, those pregnant in their early teen years and mothers over 40 are at higher risk.
Treating preeclampsia
Once preeclampsia is detected, the mother will be closely monitored. Where she is in her pregnancy and the severity of the condition will determine the course of action taken. Delivery of the child resolves preeclampsia. If the mother is suffering from severe preeclampsia and is over 37 weeks, her doctors will often decide to induce labor. If the baby is not ready to be delivered, the mother may be put on bed rest or admitted to the hospital under close observation. The care provider may also want to review the mother’s diet and make sure calories, fluid and protein intake are adequate.
Some research supports the use of alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbs to lower blood pressure and increase circulation and help manage preeclampsia. If you are considering these options, check with your care provider first.
Postpartum Preeclampsia
It is rare, but preeclampsia can develop postpartum. This can occur within the first 48 hours or as late as four to six weeks postpartum. It is not known what prompts preeclampsia at this stage–it appears to affect mothers who deliver vaginally (with or without an epidural or spinal) and mothers who deliver by Cesarean. However, the mother who delivers via Cesarean loses twice as much blood as the mother who delivers vaginally, which research shows may lower blood pressure and mask the symptoms of preeclampsia. The signs and symptoms are the same as pregnancy preeclampsia–if you are demonstrating some of those issues, contact your care provider.
Pregnant and postpartum moms: please be mindful your state of wellness and don’t be shy about reaching out to your care provider if you think something doesn’t feel right. Trust your mother instincts!
