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Pre-eclampsia (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension) Pre-eclampsia is the most serious medical disorder of pregnancy -
each year, 50,000 women die worldwide from eclampsia alone.
Pre-eclampsia is a complex disorder occurring in about 10% of women,
between the twentieth week of pregnancy (usually first pregnancies)
and the first week following the birth of their baby. Characterized
by hypertension (high blood pressure), possible, sudden weight gain,
proteinuria (protein in the urine), and oedema (fluid retention
causing swelling), the cause remains unknown, however those with
pre-existing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions are thought to be
at greatest risk. This potentially serious condition affects many
body parts, including that of the placenta, which when affected
could damage the baby's health and retard normal growth.
Without treatment, Pre-eclampsia usually results in eclampsia, which
is generally pre-eclampsia in its gravest form - left untreated this
is often fatal.
Marked by high blood pressure, fluid retention, protein in the
urine, grand mal convulsions and coma, eclampsia occurs in
approximately 0,2% of pregnancies.
Prevention:
Pre-eclampsia is a particularly sinister disease, in that, in its
early stages a woman may be totally unaware of its presence. And, it
is usually only by checking blood pressure and testing the urine for
the presence of protein that the existence of the disease may be
revealed. The detection of pre-eclampsia is therefore one of the
most important reasons for regular antenatal check-ups.
Treatment:
Many drugs may be necessary to improve the health of both mother and
baby and to slow the progress of the disorder. However, ending the
pregnancy, by the premature delivery of the baby, for the sake of
the mother's health, may be vital in halting the disease.
Anti-hypertensive and anti-convulsant therapy may need to be
continued until after the baby is born, as pre-eclampsia does not
usually resolve immediately upon delivery.
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