The recent death of a character from preeclampsia on the popular television series 'Paradise' has brought renewed attention to this serious pregnancy complication that affects thousands of women annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preeclampsia is estimated to occur in 5 to 7% of all pregnancies. While most women with the condition deliver healthy babies and fully recover, preeclampsia can be life-threatening to both mother and child. The American Heart Association defines preeclampsia as new-onset high blood pressure that typically begins after the 20th week of pregnancy, characterized by a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two recordings at least four hours apart.
Symptoms of preeclampsia may include persistent headaches that don't respond to medication, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and rapid swelling, particularly in the feet. However, some women experience no noticeable symptoms, making regular prenatal monitoring essential. Research shows that women who develop preeclampsia face increased risks of developing high blood pressure, neurological problems, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke later in life. Currently, there is no regularly used test in the United States to predict preeclampsia, and no proven way to prevent gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
However, women at risk may lower their chances of developing the condition by taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy after consulting with their healthcare provider. For a healthy pregnancy, experts recommend getting early and regular medical care, monitoring blood pressure at home if instructed, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Treatment for preeclampsia depends on several factors including the mother's overall health and the condition's progression. Medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers are often prescribed to lower blood pressure.
In cases where the mother experiences severe symptoms and is at least 34 weeks pregnant, experts recommend delivering the baby as soon as it is safe. For pregnancies under 34 weeks, medication might be administered to help the baby develop before an early delivery. When the mother's condition is not severe, delivery at 37 weeks is typically recommended. While preeclampsia symptoms usually disappear within six weeks after delivery, they can persist during the postpartum period. Resources for women's heart health throughout all stages of life are available at GoRedforWomen.org. Additional information about preeclampsia statistics and research can be found through the CDC at https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/10/25/preeclampsia/.
