Preeclampsia: Finding the Truth Through the Fears
On the road to motherhood, there are many pit stops for worry, stress and fear of the unknown. Whether you are trying to conceive your first child or carrying your last of many, we all have that voice in our head that reminds us something could go wrong. Hopefully, these fears go unfounded for nine months, and a healthy baby arrives.
"I pretty much worry about everything! It's one of the reasons I tell myself to stay off of Google, but it doesn't help," says Cindy Hilton, Blue Springs mom-to-be. "When I first found out I was pregnant, I refused to let myself get excited until I saw a doctor. Of course, I had to wait several weeks for that to happen! Even after knowing everything was okay, I didn't stop worrying."
Preeclampsia is the most common complication that can occur during a pregnancy. According to Medical News Today, it generally develops during the third trimester and affects about one in every 20 pregnancies. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow. This can affect organs in your body, including your liver, kidneys and brain.
"I had heard the term 'preeclampsia' and thought it referred solely to high blood pressure during pregnancy," says Lauren Williams, Kansas City, KS, mom diagnosed with preeclampsia. “I didn't realize the other factors that are considered nor did I really understand the risks associated with it, for both my child and for me, until I experienced it myself."
A higher risk for preeclampsia exists for women in their first pregnancy, women with diabetes and women carrying multiples.
“Truthfully, anyone can develop preeclampsia,” says Dr. Julie Martin of Women’s Care, P.A. “That isn’t meant to be scary; it is just meant as a reason for everyone to be aware. This is a condition that can develop quickly. Your doctor will check for it at each appointment with blood pressure monitoring and checking your urine. However, if you experience headaches or any changes to your vision between appointments, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Just because your tests were negative at your last appointment, or even yesterday, it doesn’t mean the condition hasn’t developed. You know your body, so pay attention to its systems and communicate with your doctor. This will get you the best possible results.”
Complications from preeclampsia are extremely rare if the mother attends her prenatal appointments and follows the advice of her physician. However, if the condition occurs and goes untreated, it can develop into eclampsia. With eclampsia, the mother can go into convulsions, a coma and can even die.
Preeclampsia can have some long-term consequences for the developing baby. With less blood flowing to your uterus, problems such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery) can occur. Additionally, your baby may suffer the effects of prematurity if you need to deliver early to protect your health.
"After delivery, my son was perfect and had no lasting effects," says Williams. "However, my blood pressure did not return to normal. It is managed with medication, and I see a cardiologist that specializes in pregnancy and the heart to ensure that I am managing it in the best way."
"Listen to your doctor's advice and take care of yourself and your baby," says Williams. "Try not to worry about the diagnosis, as it won't help the situation at all. Ask questions of your doctors so you fully understand what is going on with your body, and trust your instincts. You know your body more than anyone else."
Melissa Bellach is an Overland Park mom and freelance writer who is currently expecting her second child. She is making regular visits to her OB/GYN and is thankful for every healthy checkup!
As always, please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns.