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Contents 13
- Hypertension and Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
- 1. What Is Hypertension During Pregnancy?
- 2. What Is Preeclampsia?
- 2. What Is Preeclampsia?
- 3. Symptoms of Preeclampsia
- 4. Preeclampsia Risk Factors
- 5. Treatment of Hypertension and Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
- a. Follow-Up Before and During Pregnancy
- b. Medication
- c. Planning Delivery
- d. Bed Rest and Fluid Balance
- e. Hospitalization
- 6. Eclampsia and Serious Complications
Hypertension and Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
Risks, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy are among the conditions that carry serious risks for the health of both mother and baby. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, may develop during pregnancy, or a pre-existing condition may simply continue into the pregnancy. Preeclampsia, on the other hand, is a pregnancy-related type of hypertension that appears in the second half of pregnancy and can lead to serious health problems for the mother.
1. What Is Hypertension During Pregnancy?
Hypertension during pregnancy means that blood pressure is higher than normal during pregnancy. Blood pressure is generated by the heart pumping blood into the arteries, and this pressure allows blood to reach the entire body. High blood pressure during pregnancy can appear in two main forms:
Chronic Hypertension: Some women become pregnant while already having hypertension. In this case, high blood pressure continues both during pregnancy and after delivery. Chronic hypertension is a condition that needs to be monitored throughout the pregnancy and afterward.
Gestational Hypertension: This is when hypertension appears for the first time after the 20th week of pregnancy. This type of high blood pressure usually returns to normal after delivery and generally does not lead to preeclampsia. However, women in this situation still need to be closely monitored during pregnancy and after delivery.
2. What Is Preeclampsia?
2. What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that develops in the second half of pregnancy (usually after the 20th week) and is characterized by a rise in blood pressure together with findings such as protein in the urine (proteinuria). Preeclampsia can endanger the health of both mother and baby, and if not treated in time, it can progress into a life-threatening condition called eclampsia, which involves seizures.
Preeclampsia is generally more common in first pregnancies, and although the exact reason it develops in some women is not fully known, certain risk factors have been identified.
3. Symptoms of Preeclampsia
The symptoms of preeclampsia can be mild or severe. A woman diagnosed with preeclampsia may experience the following symptoms:
High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher is the most common symptom of preeclampsia.
Protein in the Urine (Proteinuria): Excretion of more than 300 mg of protein in a 24-hour urine collection is another important finding of preeclampsia.
Severe Headache: A headache that starts suddenly and does not go away, in particular, can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision can point to preeclampsia.
Rapid Weight Gain: Sudden weight gain can occur due to excessive fluid retention (edema) in the body. Swelling in the Hands and Face: While swelling in the legs is common during pregnancy, excessive swelling in the face and hands can be a symptom of preeclampsia.
Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper abdomen (the epigastric region) can occur due to involvement of the liver.
4. Preeclampsia Risk Factors
Some women are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia. Risk factors for preeclampsia include:
First Pregnancy: Preeclampsia is generally more common in first pregnancies.
Preeclampsia in a Previous Pregnancy: Women who have had preeclampsia before are also at risk in their subsequent pregnancies.
Chronic Hypertension: Pre-existing hypertension increases the risk of preeclampsia.
Advanced Maternal Age: The risk of preeclampsia increases in pregnancies at age 35 and older.
Multiple Pregnancies: Twin or triplet pregnancies increase the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Coexisting Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus) raise the risk of preeclampsia.
Obesity: Excess weight is an important factor that increases the risk of preeclampsia.
5. Treatment of Hypertension and Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
The definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery. However, depending on how far the pregnancy has progressed and the mother's health status, the timing of delivery must be planned carefully. Treatment of hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy aims to protect the health of both mother and baby.
a. Follow-Up Before and During Pregnancy
Women with chronic hypertension should consult their doctor before becoming pregnant and switch to medications that can be safely used during pregnancy. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly throughout the pregnancy, and medication should be given when necessary.
b. Medication
In the treatment of preeclampsia, antihypertensive medications may be used to control blood pressure. Medications considered safe during pregnancy are preferred. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent preeclampsia from progressing to eclampsia and reduces the risk of seizures.
c. Planning Delivery
The timing and method of delivery are determined based on the severity of preeclampsia. If the pregnancy has reached a week at which the baby can be safely delivered and preeclampsia cannot be controlled, delivery may be initiated. If the baby is still very small and the mother's condition is stable, close follow-up may be carried out to delay delivery.
d. Bed Rest and Fluid Balance
In mild cases of preeclampsia, bed rest and monitoring of fluid balance may be recommended. This approach aims to keep blood pressure under control.
e. Hospitalization
In severe cases of preeclampsia, the expectant mother may need to be hospitalized. During this process, the condition of both mother and baby is closely monitored and preparations are made for delivery.
6. Eclampsia and Serious Complications
Eclampsia is a condition that develops when preeclampsia cannot be brought under control and is characterized by seizures. Eclampsia can cause serious damage to the mother's vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver, and can be fatal. If eclampsia develops, emergency medical intervention is required, and delivery is usually carried out rapidly.
Hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy are among the conditions that carry serious risks for both mother and baby. With early diagnosis, regular follow-up, and appropriate treatment methods, these risks can be minimized. Keeping hypertension under control before and during pregnancy is of great importance in reducing the risk of preeclampsia.