Preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women should be wary of. While not all pregnant women experience it, preeclampsia can develop into a serious condition if not recognized and treated promptly.
Many people think preeclampsia is simply high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, preeclampsia is not just about blood pressure, but also involves disorders of the body's organs and blood flow to the placenta.
Therefore, understanding preeclampsia early on is crucial to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that usually appears after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Its main symptom is high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy, even if there is no previous history of hypertension.
Besides high blood pressure, preeclampsia can also affect the function of organs such as the liver and kidneys. This is why this condition is considered a pregnancy warning sign.
Preeclampsia Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some of the symptoms of preeclampsia that often appear include:
- Severe and unusual headache
- Blurred vision
- Swelling in the face and hands
- Upper abdominal pain
- Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention
- Increased blood pressure
However, it's important to note that not all pregnant women with preeclampsia experience obvious symptoms. Sometimes preeclampsia is only detected during a routine checkup.
Why is Preeclampsia Dangerous?
Preeclampsia can disrupt blood flow to the placenta. If blood flow is disrupted, the baby may lack nutrients and oxygen, resulting in stunted growth.
In mothers, untreated preeclampsia can develop into a more severe and life-threatening condition. Therefore, early detection of preeclampsia is crucial.
Who is at risk for preeclampsia?
Several factors that can increase the risk of preeclampsia include:
- First pregnancy
- History of high blood pressure
- Twin pregnancy
- Age above 35 years
- Obesity
- History of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
However, preeclampsia can still occur in pregnant women without any risk factors.
The Importance of Routine Checkups to Detect Preeclampsia
Because preeclampsia does not always cause obvious symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are very important during pregnancy.
Prenatal care helps detect preeclampsia early, allowing prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of complications.
Not all cases of preeclampsia can be completely prevented. However, the following steps can help reduce the risk:
- Regularly carry out pregnancy checks
- Controlling blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Follow the advice of health workers
Regular consultations are key in monitoring the condition of mother and baby.
Conclusion
Preeclampsia is a serious condition in pregnancy that should not be ignored. By recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia and undergoing regular checkups, the risk of complications can be reduced.
If you experience symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, sudden swelling, or increased blood pressure, consult an obstetrician-gynecologist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital immediately. During pregnancy, vigilance is the best form of protection.
Article written by Dr. Lisa Puspadewi Susanto, Sp.OG, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).