Why Does Restricted Growth Occur in a Fetus Related to Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine and can potentially harm mother and fetus if not properly treated.
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Growth Restriction
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Because preeclampsia affects the arteries, the condition can restrict fetal growth if blood flow is reduced to the placenta. Restricted placental blood flow means a fetus is not receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow normally.
Effects
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Poor fetal growth because of preeclampsia can lead to low birth weight, small newborn size and preterm labor, but most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Severity
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The degree to which a fetus is affected by preeclampsia depends on gestational age and severity of the condition, which varies from mild to severe, according to OBGyn.net.
Delivery
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If you're near the end of pregnancy when preeclampsia is diagnosed, your doctor might choose to induce labor to reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment
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Preeclampsia will not go away until you deliver your baby, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, your doctor can prescribe blood pressure medication or recommend bed rest to increase blood flow to the placenta if early delivery is not an option.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Raúl Hernández González
