Good-day everyone!
It's been a while but we're back sharing information, and helping you learn more about conditions that affect our Wadadlian Community.
To continue the series we have embarked upon about the Cardiovascular System and Hypertension on the Wadadlian Health Blog, we'd like to share a bit about Hypertension related to pregnancy.
courtesy heart.org
Pregnancy is a beautiful
period in a woman’s life where she is the nurturing element that propels new life into
the world, but too often we see that at this time, where ideally she should be eating
wholesome foods, resting adequately and allowing for the healthy development of her
baby, she can be plagued with many ills which can further complicate her
physiological condition.
Today our focus will be on Pre-eclampsia also known as Toxemia, one of the most frequently seen complications during pregnancy. This variation of the ‘silent killer” can be asymptomatic in its early stages in pregnancy and only provoke symptoms when it is very advanced.
In Part I we'll be touching on its definition, risk factors, as well signs and symptoms to look out for.
Pre-eclampsia can be defined as the
elevation of blood pressure to at least 140/90 mmHg that is induced during pregnancy usually after 20 weeks of gestation, and often is associated with protein being found in the urine. The condition resolves 6 weeks after the baby is born.
courtesy American Pregnancy Association
The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not verified but research suggests it may be a problem with the blood vessels in the placenta, and the way it is attached to the womb (the placenta or afterbirth, is the structure that lies between your baby and your womb.)
Bear in mind, all pregnant women can develop pre-eclampsia however there are some who may be more likely to have it during pregnancy due to certain risk factors in their life.
Bear in mind, all pregnant women can develop pre-eclampsia however there are some who may be more likely to have it during pregnancy due to certain risk factors in their life.
courtesy blackradionetwork.com
Risk
Factors of Pre-eclampsia:
1. History of previous pre-eclampsia. A personal or family history (mother or sister) of pre- eclampsia increases your risk of developing the condition.
2. First pregnancy. The risk of developing pre-eclampsia is highest during your first pregnancy.
3. New paternity. Each pregnancy with a new partner increases the risk of pre-eclampsia.
4. Age. The risk of pre-eclampsia is higher for pregnant women younger than 20 and older than 40 years of age.
5. Obesity. The risk of pre-eclampsia is higher if you're obese.
6. Multiple pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is more common in women who are carrying twins, triplets or other multiples.
7. Prolonged interval between pregnancies. Specifically of 10 years or more seems to increase the risk of suffering from the condition.
8. Diabetes and gestational diabetes. Women who develop gestational diabetes or already suffered from diabetes prior to becoming pregnant have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia as the pregnancy progresses.
9. History of certain pre-existing conditions. Having certain conditions before you become pregnant- such as chronic high blood pressure, migraine headaches, urinary tract infection, vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, amongst others increases the risk of pre-eclampsia.
10. Ethnicity. Pre-eclampsia is found to be more common amongst the black race. Click here to read more.
courtesy womenshealthency.com
Bear in mind it is possible that pre-eclampsia may be asymptomatic, with only high levels of blood pressure and proteins found in urine aiding in its diagnosis, this is why it is SO VERY IMPORTANT to have regular checks of your blood pressure while pregnant.
If you are unsure about the values of blood pressure readings and what they mean, no worries, you can read LAWD MA PRESSHA PART II from an earlier post in February.
Please note that in pregnancy values between:
140/90 to 149/99 mmHg = mild hypertension
150/100 to 159/109 mmHg = moderate hypertension
160/ 110 mmHg and above = severe hypertension
courtesy American Heart Association
Signs and Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia:
Apart from high levels blood
pressure (hypertension), and the kidneys leaking proteins into the urine, pregnant women may experience:
Dizziness
Blurry vision or seeing marks or spots in your vision
Photophobia or the eyes being irritated in the presence of light
Headaches that are constant, or repetitive
Swelling of the feet, hand, and face (now this happens normally during pregnancy, but if this suddenly becomes worse it must be taken into consideration)
Sudden weight gain
Decrease in urination
Nausea and vomiting, (that is different from morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy)
Decrease in the baby's movements
Belly pain, most frequently on the right side below the ribs
Shortness of breath
It is important to be aware of these symptoms and signs not only during pregnancy but after giving birth as pre-eclampsia extends for 6 weeks after the baby is born.
In Antigua and Barbuda full antenatal care is provided in our district clinics, this a privilege to be taken advantage of. It cannot be expressed how IMPORTANT it is to receive regular checkups during pregnancy, whether it is the first time being pregnant or the fifth. Pre-eclampsia is a form of hypertension that is harmful to both mother and child when undiagnosed.
Feeling well, by no means indicates that you actually are, and without proper checkups and antenatal care, it is possible that both the mother and unborn child will suffer in the deadly silence of hypertension.
If you have a loved one who is currently pregnant, encourage them to get their checkups done at the clinic, blood pressure screening will always be done.
In Part II we'll be addressing the complications of Pre-eclampsia as well as the treatment, and most importantly the aim of this blog PREVENTION.
Keep your family, both future and present, #wadadlianstrong.
Blessings to you and yours,
© June 2014
