Preeclampsia - Know the Signs, Know What Actions to Take

Preeclampsia is pregnancy syndrome that is diagnosed when both hypertension and proteinuria (protein in the urine) are apparent  It can happen in any pregnancy, though it is more common in women pregnant with their first child. There are risk factors that increase a woman’s chance of getting preeclampsia, but it can happen to anyone.
Preeclampsia can come about suddenly or remain mild for weeks at a time before accumulating into something more intense. It mainly affects the placenta, although other organs like the liver, brain and platelets can be impacted by the syndrome. Preeclampsia causes a placenta to weaken and causes the delivery of vital blood and nutrients to the placenta and baby to decrease or weaken.
The signs of preeclampsia include:

• Hypertension
• Swelling
• Nausea / vomiting
• Proteinuria
• Sudden weight gain
• Headaches
• Lower back pain / abdominal pain
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The only treatment for preeclampsia at this time is placenta delivery. Women are put under observation and continual care until the baby can be delivered with the best outcomes possible. Preeclampsia is serious and can be life-threatening. Education and prenatal care are two great preventative measures every woman can take.
To learn more, please visit Science & Sensibility: Preeclampsia: Research Roundup and Information for Professionals and Consumers*.
Resources:

1. The Preeclampsia Foundation: http://www.preeclampsia.org
2. The Promise Walk – Walk for Preeclampsia: http://www.promisewalk.org/campaign
   
   

*This is the article where most of my information came from.