Preeclampsia Sign And Symptoms

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High blood pressure is a silent killer. Most women diagnosed with preeclampsia do not feel sick. Many signs and symptoms of preeclampsia mirror other "normal" effects of pregnancy on your body. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia may be disappointed when prescribed bedrest because they feel fine. If you feel fine, it might be difficult for you or your partner understand that preeclampsia is a serious condition.

What you can do ...

Adequate prenatal care is crucial. Tests taken at these tests: Weighing in your blood pressure, your urine clad all done to screen preeclampsia. Especially after 20 weeks - do not miss your prenatal appointments. As with any pregnancy, prenatal good diet full of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and basic food groups is important; reduce foods, refined sugars, caffeine and disconnection, alcohol and any drugs not covered by the doctor is important. It is also advisable to talk to your health care professional before taking any supplements, herbal or otherwise.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, as measured in two separate cases within six hours. However, a woman who typically has a low baseline blood pressure, such as 90/60, can be considered hypertension on blood pressure less than that - especially if she has other symptoms. A rise in the diastolic (the lower number) by 15 degrees or more, a rise in systolic (top number) at 30 degrees or more a cause for concern.

In 1990, the National Institutes of Health, the National High Blood Pressure Education Program: Report of the Working Group on High blood pressure during pregnancy has issued the following research guidelines:

In the past, it was recommended that an increase of 30 mm Hg systolic and 15 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure be used as a diagnostic criterion, even if the absolute value of less than 140/90 mm Hg. This definition was not included in our criteria, because the only available evidence indicates that women in this group are not likely to suffer more adverse outcomes. Nevertheless, it is the collective view of the clinical team that women who have an increase of 30 mm Hg systolic and 15 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure requires close monitoring, especially in the case for embryo and hyperuricemia (uric acid [UA] greater than or equal to 6 mg / dl) were also present.

In addition, it should be noted that 4 Preeclampsia Foundation Board member medical board and our executive director participated in the working group. There was considerable discussion of eliminating baseline BP, as a diagnostic, and that is why the final verdict was included. In Preeclampsia Foundation continues to encourage its women, particularly low-baseline BPs, know their reference and to be aware of significant changes, and make any concerns about these changes, know their medical services.

What you can do ...

Know your basic blood pressure (your blood pressure before pregnancy), find out what it means, and ask: "What are my numbers" on each page. If you said "This is normal, repeat," What are my numbers? " If you had preeclampsia before, or if you have chronic high blood pressure, consult a specialist, with a high risk of a PC or perinatologist, about your pregnancy. You can find a perinatologist near you who specializes in hypertension during pregnancy, moving to the North American Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (www.nasshp.com). Women who have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy should be required to complete the survey in perinatologist to exclude any underlying disease or problems such as hypertension, chronic, autoimmune diseases, thrombophilias, kidney disease, etc. Women with a previous history of preeclampsia subsequent pregnancies should be under the control of an obstetrician or perinatologist. The only big risk factor for obtaining a history of preeclampsia, and it has been before.

If you are inactive or higher than the average body mass index (BMI), make sure to exercise moderately and get yourself in the best shape you can. (You can calculate your BMI). Women with a BMI of 30 or above, are at increased risk of preeclampsia, and efforts should be made to reduce this risk by following the advice of his doctor.
Finally, you can buy your own monitor blood pressure in most pharmacies. Some pharmacies have a monitor for your use. Keep a journal of your blood pressure taken at the same time every day, if possible, and in the same position. Share with your care provider. If you have your own monitor, you can take it with you to your appointment and calibrated to match those in the office. You can also ask your doctor when they last had their calibrated monitor.

It should be noted that in the House, is not always accurate, as in its clinic or hospital. Home readings should not be a substitute for prenatal visits, as well as the "normal" reading means ignoring symptoms, which can be markers of preeclampsia. Main testimony can be used only to help the mother will play a more active role in her care.

If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, many doctors will recommend bedrest and, in late pregnancy, lying on the left side. Although health care is not always agree that lying on the left side of help, there is no evidence of harm. In thinking is that lies at the bottom on the back may result in the pregnant uterus (and the weight of the child), to limit the vein that supplies the heart.


Swelling and edema (particularly of the hands or face)

Some tumor during pregnancy, that's fine. Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid. This is particularly about where it accumulates in the face (eyes), or with your hands. It is normal to have trouble wearing rings throughout pregnancy.

What you can do ...

Find a picture just before pregnancy. Share with your provider if you think your face is too puffy. If your swelling of the extremities becomes severe, you may notice, pitting edema (when you press your finger on the skin, an indentation remains for a few seconds), or the colour of your legs. If this happens, notify your provider, put their feet every day (but avoid meeting for extended periods), and drink water to keep hydrated.

Embryo (protein in your urine)

Embryo is the result of proteins, usually boils down to blood spilling in your urine, as well as the small blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged. A simple dipstick test your urine at each prenatal check-up of the embryo may screen.

What you can do ...

At each prenatal visit to ask for the results of the urine test. Usually nurse dips reagent strip in your urine sample, and then waiting a minute for the results. Tapes are marked for "tracking", 1 +, 2 +, etc. A reading trace protein is relatively common, and are usually not a cause for concern. If strip shows reading 1 + or greater, it may mean the beginning of preeclampsia, even if blood pressure less than 140/90. If you have 2 + reading, call your health services immediately. If you are concerned or have preeclampsia in the past, you can buy the reagent strip in some pharmacies or on the Internet. They are not cheap, and insurance may not cover them.

Sometimes health care workers will have to take a mother of 24 - hour urine collection for the official laboratory evaluation. This is not a particularly pleasant task, but if you have requested to do so, please follow the directions of your medical services carefully, and make every effort to ensure accurate.

Dark yellow urine, usually as a result of inadequate reception fluids and dehydration. However, urine, which is very dark or reddish color of cola, may indicate a problem. If you have these symptoms, let your care provider.

Sudden weight gain

A gain of more than 2 pounds a week, or 6 pounds per month, could be cause for concern.

What you can do ...

In general, there is usually, and do everything possible to fresh raw fruits and vegetables, your prenatal vitamin, and folic acid in addition to the diet. Do not try to diet or lose weight. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid excessive salt. And, as always, no alcohol, caffeine, smoking and recreational drugs. Consult with your provider of non-prescription drugs, and any herbal medicines can be taken. In Preeclampsia Foundation recognizes the importance of a good diet, but does not endorse any particular diet or juice product. Given that preeclampsia is a complex disease that women will develop it for different reasons. We call on all women to share with their doctors any diet or product they are trying. For some women - a good diet can make a significant difference, but we urge caution when trying to diet, particularly those that contribute a large amount of protein. For women with major kidney disease - excessive protein can be unsafe. Similarly, while women can use low doses of aspirin - studies show that he was associated with an increase in placental abruption and error, and therefore should not be taken as pregnant women, unless they were not informed of their physician.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, and receive regular moderate exercise. Your prenatal visits are not trying to hide any weight in skipping breakfast, using diet pills or post a day. The exact weight is vital for proper diagnosis.

Headaches

Dull, throbbing headaches, often described as migraine, that would simply will not go away.

What you can do ...

Talk to your care provider. If you tried-seizure medication information without assistance, or if the headache is very painful, or you have a light sensitivity required immediately and ask for a doctor on the same day.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting is particularly important when a sudden onset, and in the second or third trimesters.

What you can do ...

Talk to your care provider. Nausea and vomiting can be confused with the flu, so be sure to get your blood pressure checked and ask your urine is checked for embryo. Insist on both.


Changes in vision

Vision changes include temporary loss of vision, a sense of flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, and blurry vision or spots. For some women who are farsighted, vision may even improve.

What you can do ...

If you have any of these symptoms, you may be developing preeclampsia. Symptoms such as these can be associated with irritation of the central nervous system, and they should be taken seriously. They can measure cerebral edema (brain tumor). It is very important that you consult with your provider as soon as possible. If he or she is not available, then you should go directly to the hospital. We see these symptoms, as a potentially very serious, and they should not be left until the morning, tomorrow and, in particular, not to the end of weekend. With preeclampsia, it is better to have the health professionals tell you it was nothing than take chances that might risk your child or his life. No doctor all died of a woman seen too much time.


Racing pulse, mental confusion, increased anxiety, problems catching breath

If the symptoms are new to you, they may indicate elevated blood pressure.

What you can do ...

Contact your doctor if these symptoms are new. If not, be sure to mention them on your next visit.


Stomach and / or right-Shoulder pain

This type of pain in the stomach, called epigastric pain, medical practitioners, as a rule, in accordance with the right side of the ribs. It may be confused with heartburn, gall bladder problems, influenza, and understand the pain of the child or his feet. Shoulder pain is often referred to as the transfer of pain, as it radiates from the liver under the right ribs. Lower back pain, muscle strain differs from the common to pregnancy. This tends to be more acute and specific. Anything can be a sign of HELLP syndrome or related problem in the liver. Shoulder pain may feel like someone pinching you deeply along brassiere strap, or it can be painful to lie on the right side.

What you can do ...

Pain in this area should be taken very seriously, does not relieve him and go to sleep. Talk to your health professional immediately.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. However, sometimes it may indicate a problem with the liver, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or preeclampsia.

What you can do ...

Read also stomach and right Shoulder Pain (above), and to celebrate this symptom to your doctor. If the pain is accompanied by one or more other symptoms, you should call your health care immediately.


Hyperreflexia

Hyperreflexia when your reflexes are so strong that when they checked, your legs bounce back hard.

What you can do ...

This is usually not something you notice yourself, but if you are bumped and you will notice an abnormally strong reflexive response, it may be worthy of a call to your health care provider.

from preeclampsia.org