The period of pregnancy is closely monitored by healthcare professionals through frequent prenatal checkups. These appointments aim to address the expectant mother’s questions and to identify any potential complications early on.

Among the various pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, infections, and severe nausea, one condition that requires careful monitoring is preeclampsia.

Dr. Sarosh Rana, a maternal-fetal medicine expert at the University of Chicago Medicine, emphasizes the importance of professional diagnosis during prenatal visits for preeclampsia due to its potential lack of noticeable symptoms: “It can be completely asymptomatic, meaning you might be unaware you have it.”

Understanding Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure that usually arises during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester, but it can manifest as early as 20 weeks and sometimes even after childbirth, according to Rana.

If not managed, preeclampsia can lead to severe consequences like organ failure, liver and kidney issues, stroke, seizures, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. It can also cause higher levels of protein in urine, which can lead to dehydration and other serious health issues.

Dr. Rana notes, “Preeclampsia poses risks not just to the mother’s health but also significantly affects the fetus, potentially leading to growth restrictions, stillbirths, and complications from prematurity.” This makes it a critical challenge for maternal and neonatal health globally.

In fact, approximately 5% to 8% of all pregnant women in the U.S. experience preeclampsia, which is linked to about 15% of premature births, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic.

Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation, points out that while there is no definitive cure or complete prevention for preeclampsia, there are strategies to reduce risks and manage the condition effectively.

Recognizing Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Many individuals with preeclampsia may not show clear symptoms. However, Tsigas mentions that some might experience signs such as headaches, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, heartburn, nausea, diminished cognitive abilities, heightened anxiety, or visual disturbances like light sensitivity and blurred vision.

More often, healthcare providers identify preeclampsia during routine prenatal exams, since all pregnant individuals are at risk. Dr. Leslie Moroz, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Yale Medicine, states that high blood pressure measurements during visits are key indicators of the condition.

Causes of Preeclampsia

The specific causes and risk factors for preeclampsia are still not entirely understood. Tsigas notes that the placenta plays an important role, and women with chronic hypertension, obesity, and certain metabolic or autoimmune diseases are more vulnerable.

Rana adds that the incomplete development of the placenta is still up for discussion in the medical community, with genetic, immunological, and environmental aspects all likely contributing to the condition.

Treatment for Preeclampsia

Treatment approaches for preeclampsia vary depending on certain conditions. If the baby is not yet at a safe delivery age, doctors may recommend medications, dietary adjustments to lower sodium intake, increased water intake, and more frequent prenatal checkups. According to Rana, “The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises patients to take a low dose of aspirin upon diagnosis of preeclampsia and continue until delivery.”

Healthcare providers may suggest additional treatments based on the baby’s gestational age and health, maternal health status, and the progression of preeclampsia. Monitoring blood pressure and laboratory results that reflect the mother’s kidney and liver function, along with her clotting ability, are essential steps.

Ultimately, the only definitive solution for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, as Moroz explains. The timing of delivery is a delicate balance between the risks of an early delivery versus the effects of preeclampsia.

Once the baby is born and the placenta is no longer a factor, most women recover completely from preeclampsia, as noted by Tsigas.