The cause of pre-eclampsia is not yet understood, but genetic factors, insufficient uterine blood flow, poor nutrition and high body fat may all play a role. Your risk may be higher if you are over 40 or under 20, if this is a first-time pregnancy or if you are pregnant with twins or multiples. You may also be at a higher risk if you have a first-degree relative who had pre-eclampsia, if you have a history of pre-eclampsia or if you have a history of high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes.
Symptoms can include:
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling in your legs, hands and face
- Reduced urine output
- Vomiting and nausea
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Poor reflexes
Your doctor will usually screen you at each appointment for symptoms, but you should contact him or her immediately if your blood pressure rises suddenly or if you have other symptoms. Early diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and increase the odds of a positive outcome. Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can develop into eclampsia, which is associated with maternal seizures, convulsions, placental abruption, stroke, coma and death.
The only cure for this condition is delivery. However, both premature delivery and pre-eclampsia can lead to negative effects in baby, so your doctor may focus on controlling your symptoms as much as possible to give you and your baby the best possible chance. You may be prescribed medications to control your blood pressure, corticosteroids to improve your liver function and mature your baby’s lungs and anticonvulsant medications. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to be hospitalized. Induction of labor or c-section may be necessary. During your delivery, your doctor will give you magnesium sulfate to reduce the risk of seizures.
Most women recover within a few weeks of delivery, but some may need to continue to take blood pressure medicine for a few months until their health stabilizes.