When I was pregnant, preeclampsia was at the top of the long list of medical complications I worried about. Since I was already at an advanced maternal age dealing with gestational diabetes and a stubborn breech-position baby who refused to flip even as my due date approached, I couldn’t imagine dealing with preeclampsia, too.
Thankfully, I was able to keep the gestational diabetes under control, avoid preeclampsia, and give birth to a healthy baby girl.
While I didn’t develop preeclampsia, as an Asian woman, I’m lucky because, according to the American Heart Association, Asian and Pacific Islander women may have the highest risk for developing cardiovascular complications from preeclampsia.
In observance of Preeclampsia Awareness Month, we talked to Stephen Lin, M.D., HMSA medical director and ob-gyn, to learn about risk factors, effects on mother and baby, and prevention.
Q&A with Dr. Lin
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects 3%-4% of pregnant women in the U.S. This disorder is usually diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It causes maternal high blood pressure and can lead to problems with the mother’s kidneys, liver, and the blood and nervous systems. If not treated, preeclampsia can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. Early diagnosis and proper care are important to keep both mom and baby safe.
Monitoring blood pressure is very important during pregnancy.
What causes preeclampsia?
The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t fully understood, but experts believe it starts when the placenta, an organ that forms in the uterus, doesn’t develop properly in early pregnancy. Normally, the placenta connects to the mother’s blood supply, providing the baby with oxygen and nutrients. In preeclampsia, the blood vessels in the placenta have higher resistance, leading to poor blood flow. This can cause stress on the placenta, leading to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women who are pregnant for the first time, carrying multiple babies, or have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease are more likely to get it. Being overweight or over the age of 35 also increases the risk. There can also be a genetic component to risk.
How does preeclampsia affect the mother and baby?
Preeclampsia can cause serious health problems for both of them. For the mother, it may lead to seizures (eclampsia), liver and kidney damage, stroke, or even organ failure in severe cases. Some women develop HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets) syndrome, a dangerous condition that affects the liver and blood cells. These complications can lead to life-threatening emergencies, requiring immediate medical intervention.
For the baby, preeclampsia can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients, slowing growth and increasing the risk of preterm birth. Babies born too early may have trouble breathing and eating and may have long-lasting brain and nervous system problems. In extreme cases, preeclampsia can lead to stillbirth.
How is preeclampsia diagnosed and monitored?
Doctors check for preeclampsia by measuring the mother’s blood pressure and testing urine for protein. A mother might not be aware that their blood pressure is elevated. They should report new headaches or changes in vision. Unusual swelling and upper abdominal pain may also be warning signs. If blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher on two separate readings and protein is found in the urine, it suggests preeclampsia. Women with preeclampsia need regular checkups. Repeat blood tests to monitor kidney and liver function help to detect disease progression. Other tests, such as ultrasounds and fetal monitoring, help doctors see how the condition is affecting the baby.
Fetal monitoring is also helpful when keeping preeclampsia in check.
How can preeclampsia be prevented and treated?
Depending on the mother’s risk level, their ob-gyn might initiate low-dose aspirin therapy (starting in early pregnancy) to lower the chance of developing preeclampsia. Patients should review their medical history, past pregnancy history, diet, and general health with them.
The only way to fully cure preeclampsia is to deliver the baby and placenta.
In cases of mild preeclampsia, doctors may monitor the mother and baby closely until it’s safe to deliver, usually around 37 weeks. In severe cases, hospitalization is needed, and doctors may use medications to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures and strokes. If the condition worsens, early delivery may be necessary, even if the baby is premature.
After delivery, most women’s blood pressure returns to normal, but some may have long-term high blood pressure or a higher risk of heart disease later in life. Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these risks. With ongoing research, doctors hope to find even better ways to prevent and treat this condition in the future.
Make health a priority
Since women tend to take on so many roles in their lives, it’s sometimes difficult to prioritize their own health. However, it’s so important to make time for health screenings, doctors’ appointments, self-care, and other things that keep you happy and healthy. Here are some women’s health-related articles to get you started.
- beating breast cancer before 40
- breast cancer awareness month
- journey to health and wellness
- love your body, love yourself
- menopause: change is scary (but it doesn’t have to be)
- national women’s health week
- pelvic floor muscles: what you should know
- pregnancy fitness
- thyroid awareness month: a small but important gland
- tips to manage stress
- urine trouble and ways to fix it
