Pre-Eclampsia

Definition. Pre-eclampsia is the development of hypertension (high blood pressure), albuminuria (albumin in the urine), or edema, occuring between the twentieth week of pregnancy and the end of the first week after delivery. So, even if a mother with pre-eclampsia delivers a normal baby without too much trouble, she must continue being treated for her pre-eclampsia for at least one more week following delivery.

The cause of this condition is unknown. Pre-eclampsia occurs in approximately 5 percent of all pregnancies. It is more likely to occur in a woman pregnant for the first time or who has a history of pre-existing high blood pressure or vascular disease. If untreated, pre-eclampsia smolders for a variable length of time, and, in its worst form, progresses to eclampsia - convulsive seizures. The seizures and coma of eclampsia can sometimes result in the death of the baby, and rarely, of the mother.

Blood pressure of 140/90 or over
Edema of face and hands
Albumin in the urine
Any increase in blood pressure of either 30 mm of mercury systolic (the first reading in the blood pressure recording, representing the force of blood when the heart muscle contracts) or 15 mm of mercury diastolic (the second reading, representing the force of blood when the heart muscle is relaxed). For instance, a woman whose normal blood pressure was at the beginning of pregnancy 110/60 and whose reading increased to 110/80 should be considered to have pre-eclampsia and treated accordingly, as long as other suggestive changes were noted as well.

Treatment is primarily designed to preserve the life and health of the mother, and, if possible the life and health of the unborn child.

Activity
The most important part of the treatment is bed rest. It is usually best if you can lie on your left side as much as possible. If bed rest at home does not cause improvement, you may need to be hospitalized for more careful control.

Diet
There are no changes from the normal diet recommended during your pregnancy.

Increase your water intake: try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Limit fat to less than 35 percent of your total daily calories (restrict red meats - beef, pork and lamb); limit refined sugar. Read labels on prepared foods to avoid hidden sources of salt and fat. Your diet should consist primarily of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes (such as peas and beans), whole-grain products, fish, and poultry.

General Measures
Seek help for the psychologic or emotional factors that may complicate this problem. You may find help within yourself or you may need to call on others.

Medications
Medicines may not be required. Do not use any medicines, even those bought without prescription, before discussing them with your physician. Carefully follow the instructions on any prescription. Do not share any medications prescribed for you with anyone else - not even with a close friend or relative with the same diagnosis. The treatment for every patient must be individualized and administered with the help and supervision of a physician.

Notes
We cannot separate our bodies from our minds. Try these suggestions to help you get well, stay well, or become healthier than you were before this particular problem developed:

Work toward achieving and maintaining a healthy state of physical fitness
Avoid cigarette smoking
Limit alcohol intake. Avoid completely all mood-altering, mind-altering, stimulant or sedative drugs.
Strive to achieve and maintain your ideal weight. If necessary, change your diet and activity level.
Define and confront areas of conflict in family, occupation, civic, spiritual, emotional, or recreational involvements. If you cannot resolve these conflicts alone, don't hesitate to seek help from family, friends, or competent counselors.
Be moderate in your activities. Seek a balanced lifestyle of work, intellectual pursuits, recreation, reflection and rest.
Try to be of good humor when possible. Be a friend. Give and accept love.
Keep a positive outlook on life. Good attitudes toward yourself and others are powerful allies.

You develop severe headache or changes in your ability to see
Your edema increases noticeably
Your blood pressure increases despite rest and other treatment
You develop nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
You develop abdominal cramping pains
You become irritable
Your weight increases rapidly