Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: A Guide for Pregnant Women

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications that can occur during pregnancy, affecting the health of both mother and baby. This article provides basic knowledge about preeclampsia and eclampsia, helping you better understand these complications.

1. Preeclampsia:

• Definition: Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, typically ending at least 6 weeks after delivery.

• Symptoms:

• Systolic blood pressure: ≥ 140 mmHg or an increase ≥ 30 mmHg from baseline blood pressure.

• Diastolic blood pressure: ≥ 90 mmHg.

• Proteinuria: ≥ 0.3 g/l.

• Edema: Generalized swelling, especially in the hands, face, and legs.

• Classification: Preeclampsia is classified into:

• Mild preeclampsia: Mild increase in blood pressure, low proteinuria, mild edema.

• Severe preeclampsia: Severe increase in blood pressure, high proteinuria, significant edema, accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting…

• Complications:

• Eclampsia.

• Fetal growth restriction.

• Stillbirth.

• Fetal distress.

• Placental abruption.

• Kidney failure.

• Liver failure.

• Cerebral hemorrhage.

• Acute pulmonary edema.

2. Eclampsia:

• Definition: Eclampsia is a dangerous complication of preeclampsia, characterized by generalized seizures.

• Stages: A typical eclampsia seizure goes through 4 stages:

• Aura stage: The pregnant woman experiences fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache…

• Tonic stage: Generalized tonic seizures occur.

• Clonic stage: The pregnant woman may be conscious between seizures.

• Coma stage: The pregnant woman falls into a deep coma.

• Treatment:

• Emergency treatment: Airway management, suctioning, oxygen administration, magnesium sulfate injection to prevent seizures…

• Maintenance treatment: Lowering blood pressure, diuretics, antibiotics…

3. HELLP Syndrome:

• Definition: HELLP syndrome is a severe complication of preeclampsia, including:

• Hemolysis (Hemolysis).

• Elevated Liver enzymes.

• Low Platelet count.

4. Prevention:

• Regular blood pressure checks during pregnancy.

• A healthy diet, limiting salt intake.

• Adequate rest.

• Sufficient nutrient supplementation.

5. Note:

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications that can affect the health of both mother and baby.

• If you have any suspected symptoms of preeclampsia, consult your doctor immediately.

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia care and treatment should be performed by qualified medical professionals.

6. Differentiation from other diseases:

• Preeclampsia should be differentiated from:

• Chronic hypertension before pregnancy.

• Chronic nephritis and pregnancy.

• Edema due to cardiovascular diseases and edema from other diseases.

7. Treatment:

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia treatment is performed by an obstetrician.

• Treatment includes:

• Lowering blood pressure.

• Anticonvulsants.

• Diuretics.

• Antibiotics.

• Treatment of complications.

8. Prognosis:

• The prognosis of preeclampsia and eclampsia depends on the severity of the disease and the ability to treat it.

• Factors affecting prognosis:

• Gestational age.

• Blood pressure level.

• Level of proteinuria.

• Edema level.

• The presence of complications.

9. Conclusion:

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications that can occur during pregnancy. Knowledge about these complications is essential to help you protect your own health and the health of your unborn child. Consult an obstetrician for advice and timely diagnosis and treatment.