Pregnancy is certainly the most awaited moment by married couples and crave for the baby. When pregnant, expectant mothers will usually be more careful, both in maintaining diet, lifestyle and daily activities. Therefore, you mothers need to be alert to the occurrence of preeclampsia in pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by an increase in blood pressure (hypertension) and the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria). This condition usually occurs after a pregnancy period of more than 20 weeks or can occur earlier.
If undiagnosed and untreated properly and promptly, preeclampsia may become eclampsia, which is accompanied by seizures. This condition can certainly put the mother and baby in dangerous conditions, can often even lead to death.
Both preeclampsia and eclampsia, generally occur in the first pregnancy. In addition, you are more at high risk of experiencing preeclampsia and eclampsia if:
- Pregnancy at an early age (in teenagers) and women over the age of 40 years
- A history of high blood pressure before pregnancy
- History of preeclampsia in previous pregnancy
- Have a mother or sibling who has a history of preeclampsia
- History of obesity
- Pregnant twins
- History of diabetes, kidney disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
The cause of preeclampsia and eclampsia is suspected because the placenta does not work well. Some researchers mention the lack of nutrients, excess body fat and less blood flow to the fetus is also suspected to be the cause. In addition environmental and genetic factors also play a role.
Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood flow so that the baby's weight at birth can be reduced. In addition, preeclampsia can make the baby premature and can lead to learning disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision.
Unfortunately there is no treatment that can cure preeclampsia other than termination or termination of pregnancy. However, giving birth babies need to consider some conditions such as infant health and gestational age.
Control your pregnancy regularly and do early detection of preeclampsia during pregnancy in order for your fetus to avoid further complications.
