The Dangers of Preeclampsia

If you followed the pregnancy journeys of  Beyoncé, Serena Williams, or Kim Kardashian, you may have heard of preeclampsia. You probably know it’s dangerous, but unless you’ve personally experienced it, it may just sound like another scary medical term. Preeclampsia is a life-threatening form of high blood pressure that every expecting mother and everyone supporting them should be aware of. Let’s break down what it is and what you need to know about prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia, also known as ‘toxemia,’ is a life-threatening pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, organ damage and the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) that typically develops after 20 weeks into pregnancy. It can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys, and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications for you and your baby. The condition is a part of a spectrum known as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which can also include gestational hypertension, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count (HELLP) syndrome, and eclampsia, a more severe form of preeclampsia.

Why is The Condition So Dangerous?

Preeclampsia is dangerous because it can lead to serious and life-threatening health complications for mothers and babies. For mothers, it can lead to liver or kidney damage, and in severe cases, it can progress to eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. The condition has been identified as one of the leading causes of preterm birth, and it is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally.

For the baby, preeclampsia can restrict blood flow to the placenta, leading to low birth weight, premature birth, or even stillbirth. Babies born prematurely due to preeclampsia may face a lifetime of health challenges, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and chronic health conditions.

Preeclampsia Symptoms to Watch For

The tricky part about preeclampsia is that its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts. The hallmark sign is high blood pressure, but others include:

• Sudden onset of severe headaches
• Vision changes (like seeing spots or blurry vision)
• Upper abdominal pain
• Sudden swelling in the hands, feet, and face. 
  

Some women may also experience increased anxiety, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output (oliguria or anuria). If you are experiencing any of the above or have concerns, call your care provider or immediately visit your nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

We do not know what exactly causes preeclampsia or any of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. One theory is that the blood vessels that are supposed to develop in the placenta are either delayed or don’t develop. As a result, blood flow to the placenta is inhibited, potentially triggering the release of dangerous substances into the mother’s blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure and organ damage.

Risk Factors

Preeclampsia can happen to any pregnant woman, but certain factors can increase the risk: 

• First-time mothers
• Women carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Women with a history of chronic hypertension
• Women with a family history of preeclampsia
• A BMI over 30
• Women having babies over the age of 35
• Women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
  

Preeclampsia and Other Hypertensive Conditions

As we previously mentioned, preeclampsia is one of several hypertensive conditions that can affect pregnant women. Other conditions include chronic or gestational hypertension, eclampsia, and Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelet Count (HELLP). All of these conditions pose a threat to you and your baby. 

Gestational Hypertension vs Preeclampsia

Although they are part of the same spectrum of conditions, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are distinct conditions. Gestational, or pregnancy-induced, hypertension is elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, while preeclampsia includes both high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Not all cases of gestational hypertension will progress to preeclampsia. 

Preeclampsia vs Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a much more severe form of preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and seizures in women with no other history of seizures. Seizures increase the risk of pregnancy complications, with up to 70% of women with eclamptic seizures experiencing them. 

Treatment for Preeclampsia

The only definitive cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, which can be a challenging decision if the condition occurs early in pregnancy. However, in mild cases where the pregnancy is not yet full term, doctors may recommend close monitoring, bed rest, and medications to manage blood pressure and prevent further complications.

For severe cases, especially if the condition progresses to eclampsia, immediate delivery is often necessary to protect both mother and child. Postpartum preeclampsia, which can occur after childbirth, is also a serious concern and requires prompt medical attention.

Lifestyle Changes

If high blood pressure during pregnancy is a concern, you can focus on some lifestyle changes that can help:

• Increase your fiber intake
• Add probiotics, calcium and vitamin D supplements to your daily wellness routine.
• Consider adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
• Incorporate regular physical exercise, if your healthcare provider approves. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week during pregnancy. 

Managing Preeclampsia Risk: What You Can Do

Preeclampsia is a serious condition, and you shouldn’t take it lightly. It can be devastating if not appropriately managed, making awareness and early detection crucial. Regular prenatal visits, paying attention to your body’s signals, and having open communication with your healthcare provider are key to navigating pregnancy safely. While preeclampsia can be frightening, understanding the risks and signs can help ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Preeclampsia FAQ

Is preeclampsia genetic?

There isn’t enough clinical evidence to definitively say whether or not preeclampsia has an inheritability pattern (which means if someone in your family had the condition, it increases your chances of having it).

Can you have preeclampsia without high blood pressure?

Although rare, you can have a preeclampsia diagnosis without high blood pressure if you have some of the other symptoms, like protein in your urine and swelling of the extremities. 

Can stress cause preeclampsia?

There is a link between high and chronic levels of stress and elevated blood pressure in pregnancy. High blood pressure increases your risk of conditions like preeclampsia. 

Does taking aspirin help prevent preeclampsia?

In pregnant women with preeclampsia risk factors, healthcare providers may prescribe a regimen of low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure. You should speak with your care provider before taking any medication.

What does protein in urine mean while pregnant?

The presence of protein in urine, a condition called ‘proteinuria,’ may indicate kidney issues, especially if the levels are abnormally high.