Preeclampsia during pregnancy: symptoms. treatment, consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Preeclampsia during pregnancy is a phenomenon that many women experience. It is characterized by disturbances in the activity of internal organs and body systems due to processes associated with the development of the fetus inside the mother. This pathology occurs due to the fact that the female body cannot adapt to the ongoing changes, and occurs only during the period of bearing a child. After childbirth or termination of pregnancy, such pathologies disappear, but sometimes their consequences are the appearance of various diseases that remain for life.

What is this?

Pregnancy is a physiological process in a woman's body, in which normally there should be neither nausea, nor vomiting, nor any other uncomfortable manifestations. However, preeclampsia during pregnancy is a frequent pathological phenomenon that occurs in 25% of expectant mothers. This threatening condition for a woman's he alth often becomes life-threatening. This pathology provokes a violation of the vital functions of organs and systems,but the cardiovascular system and kidneys suffer the most from its manifestations.

If preeclampsia during pregnancy is manifested in a he althy woman who has no history of any manifestations of dysfunction of internal organs (diseases of the kidneys, liver, metabolic disorders, endocrine system, hypertension, cardiopathology, etc.), it is called pure gestosis. It can develop both at the beginning of pregnancy and in the second half of the term.

Similar pathologies that occur against the background of chronic diseases in a pregnant woman are called "combined preeclampsia." Such a disease can occur at any time during pregnancy, but most often it begins to manifest itself from the 28th week.

Because of what preeclampsia appears

The exact causes of preeclampsia during pregnancy are not fully understood. To date, there are about thirty different theories regarding the causes and mechanism of its occurrence. It is believed that women are predisposed to the appearance of preeclampsia, for example, with pathologies such as:

• defective endocrine regulation;
• cardiopathology;
• endocrine disruption;
• pathological processes in the kidneys, liver and biliary tract;
• immunological diseases;
• obesity.

The risk group for early or late gestosis during pregnancy includes women who regularly experience stress and overwork, as well as pregnant women under the age of 18 and over 35 years. Condition for the appearance of unwanted symptomspoor or unbalanced diet and bad habits can become. Preeclampsia is often inherited: if the mother had a similar pathology, then most likely the disease will manifest itself in the pregnant daughter.

Signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy

The main symptoms of gestosis in the initial stages are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, psycho-emotional imbalance, changes in taste sensations and smell perception. Preeclampsia is often called "late toxicosis". The most characteristic signs of this pathology are increased pressure and the appearance of protein in the urine. A pregnant woman can tolerate changes in blood pressure quite normally without noticing the changes taking place. But in most cases, preeclampsia is accompanied by headache, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes a pregnant woman begins to see worse. The presence of protein in the urine indicates a malfunction of the kidneys, so a woman may have severe swelling of her face and limbs.

Many women suffering from various diseases have experienced all the symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy. What it is, all mothers who are pregnant for the second or subsequent time know. The fact is that if a similar phenomenon once happened, then during subsequent pregnancies, its symptoms often intensify. However, situations are not uncommon when, during the second pregnancy, gestosis occurs in a milder form or does not develop at all.

Doctors distinguish 3 degrees of this pathology:

• Preeclampsia of the 1st degree (dropsy of pregnancy) - swelling of the extremities. A woman may experience slight numbness in her fingers.
• Gestosis IIdegree (nephropathy) - swelling of the extremities, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. It develops against the background of increased puffiness.
• Preeclampsia III degree (preeclampsia) - swelling of the limbs, abdomen, face and neck. The condition is aggravated by hanging blood pressure and protein in the urine.

In severe gestosis (eclampsia), convulsive seizures, the threat of miscarriage or fetal death are possible. In most cases, the pathology manifests itself during the first pregnancy, after the 32-34th week. If gestosis appears earlier (after the 20th week), then this indicates its severe form. In general, the earlier such a disease manifests itself, the more aggressive its course.

This pathology disrupts pregnancy, so it must be controlled and treated. With a complex course of preeclampsia, doctors usually resort to stimulation of premature birth or caesarean section.

The first sign of preeclampsia: proteinuria

The main indicator indicating the occurrence of gestosis during pregnancy in the later stages or in the first half of pregnancy is the appearance of protein in the urine. This pathology never occurs without proteinuria, although the detection of only an increased protein content does not indicate the appearance of preeclampsia.

Normally, there should be no protein in the urine. Even a slight increase in its amount ranging from 0.03 to 0.7 g / l, combined with an increase in leukocytes, indicates inflammation in the kidneys. The higher its content, the stronger the inflammatory process. Increasing the protein index to 0.8 g/l andhigher may indicate the appearance of preeclampsia.

Second sign of preeclampsia: increased blood pressure

A sign of preeclampsia during late pregnancy is a combination of proteinuria with an increase in blood pressure to 140/90 and above. In rare cases, this symptom goes unnoticed. However, usually a woman feels a headache, dizziness, nausea, flies before her eyes.

The appearance of a tandem of high blood pressure and protein in the urine is called preeclampsia. This phenomenon indicates the onset of preeclampsia and requires attention from doctors.

The uncontrolled course of such a phenomenon can lead to serious consequences on the part of the nervous system and can provoke loss of consciousness, seizures (eclampsia) and cerebral hemorrhage (stroke). Such a danger arises at pressure indicators of 160/110 mm Hg. st.

Third sign: swelling

Edema itself is not considered an indicator of a developing pathology. However, in combination with previous indicators, they are a clear symptom.

The presence of puffiness is easy to determine on your own if you press your finger on the inside of the lower leg and hold for a few seconds. If even a small hole remains after pressing, then swelling is present. The appearance of puffiness can be determined if the usual shoes suddenly began to press or the rings are poorly removed from the fingers.

Often, hidden edema occurs in the body of the expectant mother,which can only be detected through weight control and through special medical tests. With the appearance of edema, you can not take diuretics and self-medicate. Any therapy should be entrusted to a doctor.

Puffiness is the only visible sign of unwanted pathology. The appearance of protein and an increase in blood pressure in most cases is found only in the hospital. Therefore, it is very important for every pregnant woman to register with the antenatal clinic as early as possible and to pass all the scheduled examinations in a timely manner.

Danger

The consequences of preeclampsia during pregnancy can adversely affect the he alth of both mother and child. This disease often becomes the culprit of many serious pathologies. As a result of gestosis, disturbances occur in the functioning of the kidneys, lungs and heart, the nervous system and vision suffer.

Dysfunction of blood microcirculation, spasms in blood vessels, the occurrence of microthrombi can provoke edema and hemorrhage in the brain, heart, kidney, liver or lung failure. Constant bouts of vomiting lead to dehydration.

This disease causes premature detachment of the placenta, and with manifestations of late preeclampsia during pregnancy provokes premature birth. It leads to asphyxia in a newborn and often leads to his death. With a sluggish course, it causes fetal hypoxia and contributes to a delay in intrauterine development of the fetus.

The most severe form of this pathology is eclampsia. In this case, it is no longer about saving the child, but about saving the life of the mother. The only treatment here is emergency delivery or abortion.

Examination

If you suspect the appearance of preeclampsia during pregnancy, the doctor prescribes an appropriate examination. First assigned:

• Urine analysis. It is necessary for determining the quantitative indicators of protein, ketone bodies, leukocytes, bacteria and other elements. Allows you to determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the kidneys.
• Blood test. Allows you to determine the general condition of the body and the level of hemoglobin, platelets, liver enzymes, the degree of blood clotting.
• Ultrasound examination of the uterus and fetus by dopplerometry. It makes it possible to assess the condition and development of the baby, determine the indicators of blood flow in the uterus and the developing organism.
• Fetal CTG. It is carried out for periods of more than 28 weeks, since an earlier examination does not always give a full result. With this examination, you can determine the mobility of the fetus, heart rate, the presence or absence of hypoxia.

Treatment of preeclampsia during pregnancy

Bouts of nausea and rare gagging, the main manifestations of toxicosis (early preeclampsia) can simply be endured. Many pregnant women manage these symptoms by drinking water with a few drops of lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach.

Some people get rid of nausea drinks with the addition of mint orlemon balm, sour fruit drinks and juices. Very often, doctors in these cases recommend the use of sour-milk products and cheese. Many women are saved from discomfort by rinsing their mouth with a decoction of chamomile or sage.

In severe conditions of a pregnant woman (development of renal failure or acute liver dystrophy), in the absence of results of therapy, termination of pregnancy is recommended.

With manifestations of preeclampsia in the second half of pregnancy, accompanied by constant vomiting, a specialist consultation is necessary. In this case, we must not forget about the drinking regimen. Medications, including homeopathic remedies, should only be prescribed by a doctor, and medications should only be taken under his supervision.

Treatment of preeclampsia I degree occurs on an outpatient basis. All other cases of treatment of gestosis in the third trimester of pregnancy are carried out in a hospital. Based on the severity of the disease, the patient may be assigned to bed or semi-bed rest. A pregnant woman is shown complete psycho-emotional peace. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe sedatives.

Despite the pronounced swelling, fluid intake should not be restricted, as well as taking diuretics is undesirable. Drug treatment occurs according to symptoms in order to normalize the functioning of the mother's organs and systems, as well as to exclude hypoxia of the developing fetus. Registered:

• vitamins B, C, E;
• drugs that stimulate uteroplacental blood flow;
• drugs that reduce wall permeabilityvessels;
• blood pressure lowering and other drugs.

The duration of treatment is determined individually and depends on the course of the pathological process, the physical condition of the expectant mother and the fetus. The main condition for effective recovery is timeliness and professionalism.

Prevention

It is necessary to take care of preventing the occurrence of manifestations of gestosis even at the stage of pregnancy planning. To do this, you need to undergo an examination and get appropriate advice from specialists. If necessary, receive appropriate treatment.

The main prevention of preeclampsia during pregnancy is:

• long sleep and proper rest;
• exclusion of excessive physical activity;
• positive psycho-emotional mood.

A good effect on the body of pregnant women in terms of preventing gestosis is provided by special exercise therapy exercises, massage, swimming pool exercises, yoga and long walks in the fresh air. During this period, you can not make sudden movements.

It is necessary to organize a complete and balanced daily menu. Food should be eaten often, but in small portions. It is very important to maintain temperature balance: food should not be too hot or cold. You should adhere to proper nutrition and exclude fatty, spicy and fried foods, confectionery, chocolate, cocoa and coffee.

Preferably dailythe use of cereals from cereals containing fiber (buckwheat, oatmeal). We must not forget that a lot of fiber is found in beets, carrots, seaweed and fresh herbs.

A growing body needs a large amount of proteins and vitamins, so you should regularly eat dishes from lean meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs. Fresh fruits, juices and vegetables should be included in your daily diet. Vitamin infusions from wild rose, decoctions from dried fruits and fruit drinks from berries will provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

When preeclampsia occurs, it is necessary to increase the intake of fluids and protein foods, since water helps to normalize blood flow, and proteins are excreted in the urine. At least 2-2.5 liters of liquid should be consumed per day (this includes drinks, soups, broths, juicy fruits).

You should watch your weight. After the 28th week, weight gain should not be more than 500 grams. Normally, for the entire pregnancy, a woman should not add more than 12 kg.