Wanted to share this article featuring my celeb spirit animal and a cause I'm very passionate about! - KEY BISCAYNE, FL, APRIL 25, 2009 -- Singer, actress and mother Jennifer Lopez (center), Honorary Chairperson of the 2009 March of Dimes March for Babies®, cuts the ribbon to open the event held here today. With her are (from left) Shelley Freeman, state president of Wachovia Bank, A Wells Fargo Company; Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes; Peter Dolara, senior vice president of American Airlines; Kenneth A. May, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the March of Dimes; and Gene Schaefer, corporate chair, March for Babies and president, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties of Bank of America. March for Babies took place the weekend of April 25-26 in more than 900 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Money raised by the March for Babies supports community programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies; funds research to help babies begin healthy lives; and provides support to families of babies in newborn intensive care. Ms. Lopez, who also has joined the March of Dimes and sanofi pasteur in a national public awareness campaign to help protect the health and wellness of adults and infants called “Sounds of Pertussis,” showed the cheering crowd her new PSA.
And now spreading some knowledge on a leading cause of premature birth -
Preeclampsia or Toxemia : What all expecting mothers should know
Yes I know a little dramatic- but this info is very much needed!
Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Your blood pressure goes up, you retain water, and protein is found in your urine. It is also called toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown.
Who is at risk for preeclampsia?
The following may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia:
* A first-time mom
* Women whose sisters and mothers had preeclampsia
* Women carrying multiple babies; teenage mothers; and women older than age 40
* Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine.
Severe preeclampsia: headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, severe headaches, abdominal pain, and/or urinating very infrequently .
How do I know if I have preeclampsia?
At each prenatal checkup your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, urine levels, and may order blood tests which may show if you have preeclampsia.
Your physician may also perform other tests that include: checking kidney and blood-clotting functions; ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.
How is preeclampsia treated?
Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.
If you have mild preeclampsia and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following:
* Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
* Increase prenatal checkups.
* Consume less salt.
* Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor may try to treat you with blood pressure medication until you are far enough along to deliver safely.
How does preeclampsia affect my baby?
Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight.
Most women still can deliver a healthy baby if preeclampsia is detected early and treated with regular prenatal care.
How can I prevent preeclampsia:
Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some can't. Follow your doctor's instruction about diet and exercise.
* Use little or no added salt in your meals.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Don't eat a lot of fried foods and junk food.
* Get enough rest
* Exercise regularly
* Elevate your feet several times during the day.
* Avoid drinking alcohol.
* Avoid beverages containing caffeine.
* Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs and Symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Statistics
What Is the Difference between Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PET and PIH?
What Is Eclampsia?
How Is Eclampsia Treated?
What Is HELLP Syndrome?
What Is the Definition of Eclampsia?
Who Gets Preeclampsia?
What Causes Preeclampsia?
What Does Preeclampsia Do?
How Does Preeclampsia Affect Pregnancy?
When Does Preeclampsia Occur in a Pregnancy?
Can Preeclampsia Occur after the Baby Is Born?
How Does Preeclampsia Affect the Baby?
What Is the Cure?
What Can We Do?
Will I Get Preeclampsia in a Subsequent Pregnancy?
If my first pregnancy was normal…
If I had preeclampsia in my first or an earlier pregnancy…
If I had it in a first but not a second…
If I have been advised against getting pregnant again…
More answers to your questions coming soon!
What is difference between Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PET, and PIH?
Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PIH, PET, as well as ephegesis gestosis refer to serious, closely related hypertensive conditions of pregnancy. Toxemia is an older term based on a belief that the condition was the result of toxins (poisons) in the blood. PET (preeclamptic toxaemia) is a term used by older physicians in the UK and elsewhere. Ephegesis gestosis, rarely used in the U.S., is a term that is generally synonymous with preeclampsia. PIH, a newer term, stands for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. The Preeclampsia Foundation uses the term "preeclampsia" as an umbrella term to cover all variants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Researchers will be more specific and refer to each subset of the syndrome as separate entities. While to the medical researcher these terms may have subtle differences, they all represent serious conditions that you should not ignore.
Back to top
What is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of severe preeclampsia. In the developed world, it is exceedingly rare and nearly always treatable if appropriate intervention is promptly sought. According to “Pre-Eclampsia: The Facts” (Redman, Walker, copyright 92),
Pre-eclampsia is so named because it was originally identified as a disorder preceding eclampsia, although it is now known that eclamptic convulsions is only one of the several potential complications of the disease.
These convulsions, which lead to temporary loss of consciousness, look no different from epileptic fits…the spasms stop the mother from breathing, make her bite her tongue and sometimes cause urinary incontinence…
Eclamptic fits usually occur as a third-stage complication of severe pre-eclampsia. But sometimes they arise out of the blue, without any evidence of preceding disturbances…
These seizures can occur at any time in the second half of the pregnancy…in 1974, a case of eclampsia at 16 weeks was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. At the other extreme…one case has been reported as late as 3 weeks after delivery.
Left untreated, eclamptic seizures can result in coma, brain damage, and possibly maternal or infant death.
Back to top
How is Eclampsia Treated?
The standard course of treatment for eclampsia is magnesium sulfate. This simple salt saves mothers lives. According to the Collaborative Eclampsia Trial (CLASP) published in The Lancet, June 95, women on magnesium sulfate had
* 52% lower risk of recurrent seizures than those on diazepam;
* Those who did have recurrent seizures had fewer than those on diazepam;
* 26% lower risk of maternal death than those on diazepam;
* Babies of mothers on magnesium were in better condition after delivery and less likely to need special care;
* Less likely to be ventilated or develop pneumonia or to need intensive care than those on phenytoin;
* 67% lower risk of recurrent seizures than those on phenytoin;
* 50% lower risk of maternal death than those on phenytoin.
Nevertheless, magnesium sulfate, is not a benign drug and must be used by a skilled health care provider with appropriate support facilities. Overdoses can and do occur.
It is important to note that while magnesium sulfate has often been compared to Epsom salts--they are not the same. Ingesting Epsom salts, or magnesium vitamin supplements have not been shown to prevent maternal death due to eclamptic seizures.
Back to top
What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP Syndrome occurs in 4 percent to 12 percent of the women who have preeclampsia. It is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia. HELLP stands for: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and lowered platelets. HELLP Syndrome most often affects the liver, causing stomach and right shoulder pain. HELLP Syndrome is most dangerous because it can occur before you exhibit the classic symptoms of preeclampsia. It is often mistaken for the flu or gallbladder problems. It is most important that you listen to your body: if you don't feel right, check with your health professional. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health professional immediately. An excellent source of support and information is the HELLP Syndrome Society started by Stephen and Jennifer Bohach after the loss of their daughter, Taylor Hope.
Back to top
What is the definition of the term eclampsia?
Main Entry: eclamp·sia
Pronunciation: i-'klam(p)-sE-&
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek eklampsis sudden flashing, from eklampein to shine forth, from ex- out + lampein to shine
Date: circa 1860
: a convulsive state; especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or parturition - eclamp·tic /i-'klam(p)-tik/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
Back to top
Who gets Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia occurs in 5-8 percent of all pregnancies, though it is most common in first-time pregnancies. Some research suggests that one's risk of preeclampsia is increased with a first pregnancy with a new partner/husband, however recent research suggests that the key factor in that increased risk is not the new husband, but in fact increased maternal age. The most significant risk factors for preeclampsia are:
* Previous history of preeclampsia, particularly if onset is before the third trimester
* History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disorder
* Family history of the disorder (i.e., a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who had the disorder)
* Women with greater than 30% Body Mass Index (BMI). To determine your BMI, click on the following link http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm and follow the instructions there.
* Multiple gestation
* Over 40 or under 18 years of age
* Polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Lupus or other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis or MS.
Back to top
What causes Preeclampsia?
There are a number of theories ranging from too much blood flow to too little. Some current theories include:
Medical Description Layperson's Description
Uterine ischemia/ underperfusion Insufficient blood flow to the uterus
Prostacyclin/thromboxane imbalance (ASA) Disruption of the balance of the hormones that maintain the diameter of the blood vessels.
Endothelial activation and dysfunction Damage to the lining of the blood vessels that regulates the diameter of the blood vessels keeping fluid and protein inside the blood vessels and keeps blood from clotting.
Calcium deficiency Calcium helps maintain vasodilation, so a deficiency would impair the function of vasodilation (see above)
Hemodynamic vascular injury Injury to the blood vessels due to too much blood flow,i.e. the garden hose hooked up to a fire hydrant
Preexisting maternal conditions Mother has undiagnosed high blood pressure or other preexisting problems such as diabetes, lupus, sickle cell disorder, hyperthyroidism, kidney disorder, etc.
Immunological Activation The immune system believes that damage has occurred to the blood vessel and in trying to fix the "injury" actually makes the problem worse (like scar tissue) and augments the process.
Nutritional Problems/Poor Diet Insufficient protein, excessive protein, not enough fresh fruit and vegetables (antioxidants), among others theories.
High Body Fat High body fat may actually be the symptom of the tendency to develop this disorder linked to the genetic tendency towards high blood pressure, diabetes and insulin resistance.
Insufficient Magnesium Oxide and B6 Magnesium stabilizes vascular smooth muscles and helps regulate vascular tone. Too much magnesium acts as a laxative and is not absorbed into the body.
Genetic Tendency
Back to top
What does preeclampsia do?
It can cause your blood pressure to rise and puts you at risk of stroke or impaired kidney function, impaired liver function, blood clotting problems, pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs), seizures and, in severe forms, maternal and infant death. Because preeclampsia affects the blood flow and placenta, babies can be smaller and are often born prematurely. Ironically, sometimes the babies can be much larger. While maternal death from preeclampsia is rare in the U.S., it is a leading cause of illness and death globally for mothers and infants.
Back to top
How does preeclampsia affect pregnancy?
Preeclampsia is often silent, showing up unexpectedly during a routine blood pressure check and urine test. In cases like this, if the baby is near term (after 36 weeks) the baby is induced, delivered and the mother watched and sent home as usual.
If preeclampsia occurs earlier in the pregnancy, especially for a mother expecting multiple births, its impact is more profound. Time off work, bed rest, medication and even hospitalization may be prescribed to keep the blood pressure under control. It is in the best interest of the babies to be kept in-utero as long as possible. Unfortunately, the only "cure" for the disease is delivery of the baby. Sometimes it is in the best interest of the mother to delivery the baby before term. Medical personnel may prescribe anti-hypertensive medications, such as beta-blockers, and in rare cases, lasix or diuretics (water pills), though that is generally not advised. If the blood pressure cannot be managed with medication and treatment and the mother's and/or infant's health is at risk, then the mother may be given steroids to aid the maturation of the infant's lungs and the baby will be delivered.
Back to top
When does preeclampsia occur in a pregnancy?
Preeclampsia can appear at any time during the pregnancy, delivery and up to six weeks post-partum, though it most frequently occurs in the final trimester and resolves within 48 hours of delivery. Preeclampsia can develop gradually, or come on quite suddenly, even flaring up in a matter of hours, though the signs and symptoms may have been present for months undetected or unnoticed.
Back to top
Can preeclampsia occur after the baby is born?
In some instances, preeclampsia does not show up until during the delivery, or up to two weeks post-partum. While this is less dangerous for the baby, it is actually the most critical time for the mother. Any of the above signs and symptoms should be cause for concern, and the mother should immediately contact her health care provider.
Back to top
How does preeclampsia affect the baby?
Prematurity
Preeclampsia is responsible for 15% of premature births in the US each year. It is the leading known cause of preterm birth. According to the March of Dimes, in 2001, 476,250 infants were born prematurely…over half from unknown causes. Preeclampsia represents 30% of the known causes of prematurely--or approximately 70,000 premature births.
A baby is considered premature prior to 36 weeks gestation (one month early) but most severe prematurity issues occur to babies born before approximately 32 weeks in developed countries, and somewhat later in developing countries. (As developing countries often lack the standard of critical care that preemies require). The impact of prematurity is not fully known, even in infants who were only slightly premature.
Ongoing life challenges
Preeclampsia has been linked to a host of lifelong challenges for infants born prematurely, among them learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness and deafness. With prematurity also comes the risk of extended hospitalization, small gestational size and the interruption of valuable bonding time for families. Prematurity stresses a family unit, and this stress is compounded when the mother is also ill.
Some studies suggest that babies born to a preeclamptic mother have an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes later in life. Very few studies have followed the health of these babies.
Education, vigilance and being proactive patients can reduce some of these deaths but ultimately-we need more research. We need to find a cure
What is the cure?
The only cure is delivery of the baby. When preeclampsia develops, the mother and her baby are monitored carefully. There are medications and treatments that may prolong the pregnancy, which can increase the baby's chances of health and survival. Unfortunately, once the course of preeclampsia has begun, the health of the mother must be constantly weighed against the health of the baby. In some cases, the baby must be delivered immediately, regardless of gestational age, to save the mother's and/or baby's lives.
Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Your blood pressure goes up, you retain water, and protein is found in your urine. It is also called toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown.
Who is at risk for preeclampsia?
The following may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia:
* A first-time mom
* Women whose sisters and mothers had preeclampsia
* Women carrying multiple babies; teenage mothers; and women older than age 40
* Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine.
Severe preeclampsia: headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, severe headaches, abdominal pain, and/or urinating very infrequently .
How do I know if I have preeclampsia?
At each prenatal checkup your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, urine levels, and may order blood tests which may show if you have preeclampsia.
Your physician may also perform other tests that include: checking kidney and blood-clotting functions; ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.
How is preeclampsia treated?
Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.
If you have mild preeclampsia and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following:
* Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
* Increase prenatal checkups.
* Consume less salt.
* Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor may try to treat you with blood pressure medication until you are far enough along to deliver safely.
How does preeclampsia affect my baby?
Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight.
Most women still can deliver a healthy baby if preeclampsia is detected early and treated with regular prenatal care.
How can I prevent preeclampsia:
Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some can't. Follow your doctor's instruction about diet and exercise.
* Use little or no added salt in your meals.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Don't eat a lot of fried foods and junk food.
* Get enough rest
* Exercise regularly
* Elevate your feet several times during the day.
* Avoid drinking alcohol.
* Avoid beverages containing caffeine.
* Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs and Symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Statistics
What Is the Difference between Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PET and PIH?
What Is Eclampsia?
How Is Eclampsia Treated?
What Is HELLP Syndrome?
What Is the Definition of Eclampsia?
Who Gets Preeclampsia?
What Causes Preeclampsia?
What Does Preeclampsia Do?
How Does Preeclampsia Affect Pregnancy?
When Does Preeclampsia Occur in a Pregnancy?
Can Preeclampsia Occur after the Baby Is Born?
How Does Preeclampsia Affect the Baby?
What Is the Cure?
What Can We Do?
Will I Get Preeclampsia in a Subsequent Pregnancy?
If my first pregnancy was normal…
If I had preeclampsia in my first or an earlier pregnancy…
If I had it in a first but not a second…
If I have been advised against getting pregnant again…
More answers to your questions coming soon!
What is difference between Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PET, and PIH?
Preeclampsia, Toxemia, PIH, PET, as well as ephegesis gestosis refer to serious, closely related hypertensive conditions of pregnancy. Toxemia is an older term based on a belief that the condition was the result of toxins (poisons) in the blood. PET (preeclamptic toxaemia) is a term used by older physicians in the UK and elsewhere. Ephegesis gestosis, rarely used in the U.S., is a term that is generally synonymous with preeclampsia. PIH, a newer term, stands for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. The Preeclampsia Foundation uses the term "preeclampsia" as an umbrella term to cover all variants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Researchers will be more specific and refer to each subset of the syndrome as separate entities. While to the medical researcher these terms may have subtle differences, they all represent serious conditions that you should not ignore.
Back to top
What is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is one of the most serious complications of severe preeclampsia. In the developed world, it is exceedingly rare and nearly always treatable if appropriate intervention is promptly sought. According to “Pre-Eclampsia: The Facts” (Redman, Walker, copyright 92),
Pre-eclampsia is so named because it was originally identified as a disorder preceding eclampsia, although it is now known that eclamptic convulsions is only one of the several potential complications of the disease.
These convulsions, which lead to temporary loss of consciousness, look no different from epileptic fits…the spasms stop the mother from breathing, make her bite her tongue and sometimes cause urinary incontinence…
Eclamptic fits usually occur as a third-stage complication of severe pre-eclampsia. But sometimes they arise out of the blue, without any evidence of preceding disturbances…
These seizures can occur at any time in the second half of the pregnancy…in 1974, a case of eclampsia at 16 weeks was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. At the other extreme…one case has been reported as late as 3 weeks after delivery.
Left untreated, eclamptic seizures can result in coma, brain damage, and possibly maternal or infant death.
Back to top
How is Eclampsia Treated?
The standard course of treatment for eclampsia is magnesium sulfate. This simple salt saves mothers lives. According to the Collaborative Eclampsia Trial (CLASP) published in The Lancet, June 95, women on magnesium sulfate had
* 52% lower risk of recurrent seizures than those on diazepam;
* Those who did have recurrent seizures had fewer than those on diazepam;
* 26% lower risk of maternal death than those on diazepam;
* Babies of mothers on magnesium were in better condition after delivery and less likely to need special care;
* Less likely to be ventilated or develop pneumonia or to need intensive care than those on phenytoin;
* 67% lower risk of recurrent seizures than those on phenytoin;
* 50% lower risk of maternal death than those on phenytoin.
Nevertheless, magnesium sulfate, is not a benign drug and must be used by a skilled health care provider with appropriate support facilities. Overdoses can and do occur.
It is important to note that while magnesium sulfate has often been compared to Epsom salts--they are not the same. Ingesting Epsom salts, or magnesium vitamin supplements have not been shown to prevent maternal death due to eclamptic seizures.
Back to top
What is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP Syndrome occurs in 4 percent to 12 percent of the women who have preeclampsia. It is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia. HELLP stands for: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and lowered platelets. HELLP Syndrome most often affects the liver, causing stomach and right shoulder pain. HELLP Syndrome is most dangerous because it can occur before you exhibit the classic symptoms of preeclampsia. It is often mistaken for the flu or gallbladder problems. It is most important that you listen to your body: if you don't feel right, check with your health professional. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health professional immediately. An excellent source of support and information is the HELLP Syndrome Society started by Stephen and Jennifer Bohach after the loss of their daughter, Taylor Hope.
Back to top
What is the definition of the term eclampsia?
Main Entry: eclamp·sia
Pronunciation: i-'klam(p)-sE-&
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek eklampsis sudden flashing, from eklampein to shine forth, from ex- out + lampein to shine
Date: circa 1860
: a convulsive state; especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or parturition - eclamp·tic /i-'klam(p)-tik/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
Back to top
Who gets Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia occurs in 5-8 percent of all pregnancies, though it is most common in first-time pregnancies. Some research suggests that one's risk of preeclampsia is increased with a first pregnancy with a new partner/husband, however recent research suggests that the key factor in that increased risk is not the new husband, but in fact increased maternal age. The most significant risk factors for preeclampsia are:
* Previous history of preeclampsia, particularly if onset is before the third trimester
* History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disorder
* Family history of the disorder (i.e., a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who had the disorder)
* Women with greater than 30% Body Mass Index (BMI). To determine your BMI, click on the following link http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm and follow the instructions there.
* Multiple gestation
* Over 40 or under 18 years of age
* Polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Lupus or other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis or MS.
Back to top
What causes Preeclampsia?
There are a number of theories ranging from too much blood flow to too little. Some current theories include:
Medical Description Layperson's Description
Uterine ischemia/ underperfusion Insufficient blood flow to the uterus
Prostacyclin/thromboxane imbalance (ASA) Disruption of the balance of the hormones that maintain the diameter of the blood vessels.
Endothelial activation and dysfunction Damage to the lining of the blood vessels that regulates the diameter of the blood vessels keeping fluid and protein inside the blood vessels and keeps blood from clotting.
Calcium deficiency Calcium helps maintain vasodilation, so a deficiency would impair the function of vasodilation (see above)
Hemodynamic vascular injury Injury to the blood vessels due to too much blood flow,i.e. the garden hose hooked up to a fire hydrant
Preexisting maternal conditions Mother has undiagnosed high blood pressure or other preexisting problems such as diabetes, lupus, sickle cell disorder, hyperthyroidism, kidney disorder, etc.
Immunological Activation The immune system believes that damage has occurred to the blood vessel and in trying to fix the "injury" actually makes the problem worse (like scar tissue) and augments the process.
Nutritional Problems/Poor Diet Insufficient protein, excessive protein, not enough fresh fruit and vegetables (antioxidants), among others theories.
High Body Fat High body fat may actually be the symptom of the tendency to develop this disorder linked to the genetic tendency towards high blood pressure, diabetes and insulin resistance.
Insufficient Magnesium Oxide and B6 Magnesium stabilizes vascular smooth muscles and helps regulate vascular tone. Too much magnesium acts as a laxative and is not absorbed into the body.
Genetic Tendency
Back to top
What does preeclampsia do?
It can cause your blood pressure to rise and puts you at risk of stroke or impaired kidney function, impaired liver function, blood clotting problems, pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs), seizures and, in severe forms, maternal and infant death. Because preeclampsia affects the blood flow and placenta, babies can be smaller and are often born prematurely. Ironically, sometimes the babies can be much larger. While maternal death from preeclampsia is rare in the U.S., it is a leading cause of illness and death globally for mothers and infants.
Back to top
How does preeclampsia affect pregnancy?
Preeclampsia is often silent, showing up unexpectedly during a routine blood pressure check and urine test. In cases like this, if the baby is near term (after 36 weeks) the baby is induced, delivered and the mother watched and sent home as usual.
If preeclampsia occurs earlier in the pregnancy, especially for a mother expecting multiple births, its impact is more profound. Time off work, bed rest, medication and even hospitalization may be prescribed to keep the blood pressure under control. It is in the best interest of the babies to be kept in-utero as long as possible. Unfortunately, the only "cure" for the disease is delivery of the baby. Sometimes it is in the best interest of the mother to delivery the baby before term. Medical personnel may prescribe anti-hypertensive medications, such as beta-blockers, and in rare cases, lasix or diuretics (water pills), though that is generally not advised. If the blood pressure cannot be managed with medication and treatment and the mother's and/or infant's health is at risk, then the mother may be given steroids to aid the maturation of the infant's lungs and the baby will be delivered.
Back to top
When does preeclampsia occur in a pregnancy?
Preeclampsia can appear at any time during the pregnancy, delivery and up to six weeks post-partum, though it most frequently occurs in the final trimester and resolves within 48 hours of delivery. Preeclampsia can develop gradually, or come on quite suddenly, even flaring up in a matter of hours, though the signs and symptoms may have been present for months undetected or unnoticed.
Back to top
Can preeclampsia occur after the baby is born?
In some instances, preeclampsia does not show up until during the delivery, or up to two weeks post-partum. While this is less dangerous for the baby, it is actually the most critical time for the mother. Any of the above signs and symptoms should be cause for concern, and the mother should immediately contact her health care provider.
Back to top
How does preeclampsia affect the baby?
Prematurity
Preeclampsia is responsible for 15% of premature births in the US each year. It is the leading known cause of preterm birth. According to the March of Dimes, in 2001, 476,250 infants were born prematurely…over half from unknown causes. Preeclampsia represents 30% of the known causes of prematurely--or approximately 70,000 premature births.
A baby is considered premature prior to 36 weeks gestation (one month early) but most severe prematurity issues occur to babies born before approximately 32 weeks in developed countries, and somewhat later in developing countries. (As developing countries often lack the standard of critical care that preemies require). The impact of prematurity is not fully known, even in infants who were only slightly premature.
Ongoing life challenges
Preeclampsia has been linked to a host of lifelong challenges for infants born prematurely, among them learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness and deafness. With prematurity also comes the risk of extended hospitalization, small gestational size and the interruption of valuable bonding time for families. Prematurity stresses a family unit, and this stress is compounded when the mother is also ill.
Some studies suggest that babies born to a preeclamptic mother have an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes later in life. Very few studies have followed the health of these babies.
Education, vigilance and being proactive patients can reduce some of these deaths but ultimately-we need more research. We need to find a cure
What is the cure?
The only cure is delivery of the baby. When preeclampsia develops, the mother and her baby are monitored carefully. There are medications and treatments that may prolong the pregnancy, which can increase the baby's chances of health and survival. Unfortunately, once the course of preeclampsia has begun, the health of the mother must be constantly weighed against the health of the baby. In some cases, the baby must be delivered immediately, regardless of gestational age, to save the mother's and/or baby's lives.
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