A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Pre-Eclampsia
Medical Questions » Pre-Eclampsia
| Name: Pre-Eclampsia |
| Also known as: |
| A potentially serious disease that occurs only in pregnancy. In developed countries it is detected early because most women undertake regular antenatal visits which find it in about 10% of all pregnant women. |
Causes of Pre-Eclampsia
Exact cause unknown, but it may be due to the production of an abnormal amount of hormones by the placenta. More common in first pregnancies, twins and diabetes, and normally develops in the last three months of pregnancy, but may not develop until labor commences, when it may progress rapidly to eclampsia if not detected. |
Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia
Not until the condition is well established does the patient develop a headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and disturbances of vision. |
Tests for Pre-Eclampsia
The early detection of pre-eclampsia is essential for the good health of both mother and baby. Diagnosed by noting high blood pressure, swollen ankles, abnormalities (excess protein) in the urine and excessive weight gain (fluid retention). |
Treatment for Pre-Eclampsia
Strict bed rest, drugs to lower blood pressure and remove excess fluid, sedatives, and in severe cases, early delivery of the baby.
|
Complications of Pre-Eclampsia of its treatment
If no treatment is given, the mother may develop eclampsia which causes convulsions, coma, strokes, heart attacks, death of the baby and possibly death of the mother. The correct treatment of pre-eclampsia prevents eclampsia. |
Likely Outcome of Pre-Eclampsia
Very good if detected early and treated correctly. |
|
|
