Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical disorder which occurs during pregnancy. It is often marked by an increase in blood pressure and excretion of excess protein the urine. The disorder typically starts in the second trimester of pregnancy around 20-22 weeks. When untreated or the diagnosis is missed, it can be fatal for both the mother and the baby.
Preeclampsia usually starts slow at 20 weeks but does get worse with time. Pregnant females will usually present with high blood pressure, blurred vision, headaches, pain in the upper abdomen, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and decreasing urine output. Swelling of the hands and face is common.
Why pre-eclampsia occurs is not well understood but the condition is more likely to occur in young obese females who are pregnant for the first time. Pre eclampsia causes loss of blood supply to the fetus and when severe can induce seizures in the mother. The disorder is relatively easy to diagnose and admission to a hospital is mandatory. The only treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby.
However, if the time for delivery is not ripe then one may require medications to lower blood pressure, corticosteroids, anti seizure medications and bed rest. Preeclampsia is a frightening disorder with serious complications.
Doctors recommend that anyone with high blood pressure or generalized swelling of the body during pregnancy should go and see health care professional immediately.