PREGNANCY DAYS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

PREECLAMPSIA in Pregnancy

CAN I PREVENT PREECLAMPSIA AND HOW IS THIS MEASURED

Pre-eclampsia is a disorder of placental implantation and therefore not preventable. Several nutritional and non nutritional interventions have been suggested.

Two readings are taken - the "systolic"' pressure is recorded as your heart beats, and the second "diastolic" reading is taken during the "rest" between beats.

Nutritional intervention by increasing protein and energy intake or supplementation with iron, folate, magnesium, zinc or fish oil, and adding antioxidants such as vitamin E and Vitamin  C maybe helpful in preventing.

The only thing that you can do is rest a lot and looks positively towards the pregnancy.

Who is at more risk to get it?

• There is more risk of getting pre-eclampsia in first pregnancy than in later pregnancies.
• Previous history of pre-eclampsia
• Family history of pre-eclampsia in mother and sisters
• Overt type 1 diabetes
• Chances of superimposition on chronic hypertension
• Stress
• Presence of antiphospholipid antibodies
• Multiple pregnancy
• Fetus with congenital anomalies.
  

Facts about pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a systemic syndrome which affects both the mother and the fetus. Placenta is considered the pathogenic focus because the only cure for this condition is delivery. Pre-eclampsia can occur any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

If your BP goes too high, you may be admitted to hospital and given drugs (which won't harm your baby) to try to control it. Your baby will also be monitored carefully and if there are signs that he or she is not growing well or your condition worsens, you'll be offered an induction or a caesarean.

After your baby is born, your BP should return to normal, but it may take several weeks for this to happen and for any swelling of your hands and feet to subside

If I get pre-eclampsia, how will it be treated?

If your blood pressure is moderately raised, you will be advised to have as much bed rest as possible, lying either on your left hand side because this improves the flow of blood to the placenta, or sitting well propped up. Get your blood pressure checked regularly.

If your blood pressure becomes very high, you might be admitted to hospital so that your condition can be monitored. Scans will be used to monitor your baby's growth and wellbeing.

The aim is to prolong your pregnancy as long as possible, to give your baby the best chance. You may also be given magnesium sulphate injections.

A large research study published in 2002 found that if mothers with pre-eclampsia are given magnesium sulphate, it roughly halves the risk of developing eclampsia.

If your blood pressure cannot be controlled, your obstetrician may suggest that you have your labour induced or that you deliver your baby by caesarean section.

What are the warning signs for pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition. In rare cases it can lead to complications such as HELLP syndrome which can develop before the pre-eclampsia has been diagnosed.

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include headaches, nausea and pain in your upper abdomen.

Occasionally pre-eclampsia develops very quickly. So, if you have any sudden swelling, or intense headaches accompanied by blurred vision or spots before the eyes, or if you have severe pain in the top of your abdomen, don't hesitate to call your doctor or midwife.

Early detection and care can make a big difference in the course of pre-eclampsia.