Preeclampsia

Okay I went and looked it up.  This is really more for my benefit than y’alls.  I’m just trying to reassure myself that I’m okay.  I know I am, because if there was anything really wrong I would have been put in the hospital.  Yeah, I’m just fine.  I’m just letting things get to me in my last few weeks.

Definition
Preeclampsia is the development of swelling, elevated blood pressure, and protein in the urine during pregnancy.

Alternative names
Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of preeclampsia has not been identified. Numerous theories of potential causes exist, including genetic, dietary, vascular (blood vessel), and autoimmune factors. None of the theories have yet been proven.

Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 8% of all pregnancies. Increased risk is associated with first pregnancies, advancing maternal age, African-American women, multiple pregnancies, and women with a past history of diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.

Prevention
Although there are currently no known prevention methods, it is important for all pregnant women to obtain early and ongoing prenatal care. This allows for the early recognition and treatment of conditions such as preeclampsia.

Symptoms

• Edema (swelling of the hands and face present upon arising)
• Weight gain
  • In excess of 2 pounds per week
  • May be very sudden gain over 1 to 2 days
• Headaches

Note: Some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal with pregnancy.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Urine output, decreased
• Nausea and vomiting
• Facial swelling
• Blood pressure, high
• Agitation
• Vision changes (flashing lights in the eyes)
• Abdominal pain

Signs and tests

• Documented weight gain
• Nondependent edema
• Elevated blood pressure
• Proteinuria (protein noted in urine)
• Thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000)
• Elevated liver function tests