How to Diagnose Preeclampsia in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a joyful time, but there can be many signs of trouble ahead for mom or baby. Preeclampsia is one potentially dangerous side effect of pregnancy, and moms-to-be need to know how to diagnose preeclampsia in the early stages. The following guide will show you how to diagnose preeclampsia so you can get help from your health-care provider.
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Instructions
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How to Diagnose Preeclampsia in Pregnancy
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Preeclampsia is also known as toxemia. This is a condition pregnant women experience that includes high blood pressure as well as large amounts of protein in the urine. Some of the telltale signs of preeclampsia include marked swelling in the hands, the legs and, especially, the feet. Swollen feet are common in pregnancy, but when your hands and legs are also swollen you will know it's time to talk to your health-care provider. Other symptoms may include severe headaches, reflex changes, pain in the abdomen, weight gain from bodily fluid, dizziness, vomiting and nausea and reduced urine output, among others.
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Preeclampsia is most common during the end of the second trimester and at any time during the third trimester. It may begin earlier than this, but that is not as common. If you have the symptoms described above and are in your second or third trimester, then you may have the beginning signs of preeclampsia.
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Doctors are unsure what causes preeclampsia, so they can't tell you what to avoid exactly. However, it is believed that high body fat, poor nutrition and reduced blood flow to the uterus may all be causes independently or together. Evaluate yourself, your diet and your symptoms to see if you fall into the description of preeclampsia. If so, talk with your doctor immediately.
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Preeclampsia turns into eclampsia if left untreated. This is much more serious and even life threatening. If you are having the symptoms listed above in addition to seizures, then you likely have eclampsia. It is very important to get to the hospital immediately. Death can occur during, before or after childbirth with eclampsia, so don't ignore the symptoms.
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Other risk factors for preeclampsia include being over 40 and first pregnancies. A previous history of preeclampsia is also a sign, as well as high blood pressure before pregnancy. Other risk factors include lupus, diabetes, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis, relatives with preeclampsia, a multiple pregnancy and being overweight.
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Tips & Warnings
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Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs of preeclampsia
