Recognize the first symptoms of preeclampsia for a safer pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy that affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies and usually appears after the 20th week of gestation. It is characterized by arterial hypertension and signs of damage to the organs, especially the liver and kidneys. The detection and precocious treatment of preeclampsia are crucial for the welfare of the mother and the fetus. Recognizing the first signs of preeclampsia can help a rapid diagnosis and adequate medical intervention.

1. High blood pressure: One of the first indicators of preeclampsia is the increase in blood pressure. An increase in systolic pressure above 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg in two readings separated by at least four hours is considered high. Hypertension can be mild at the beginning and go unnoticed without regular monitoring.
2. Proteinuria: The presence of high levels of proteins in the urine, known as proteinuria, is another frequent sign of preeclampsia. Normally, proteins are not present in the urine in significant quantities. You can use a 2 4-hour urine collection or a reactive strip test to detect abnormal protein levels. An excretion of 300 mg or more protein in a 2 4-hour urine collection or a reading of the reactive strip equal to or greater than 1+ is indicative of proteinuria.

Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous disease that requires medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately report your doctor: intense headache that persists despite rest and paracetamol, visual alterations such as blurred vision or flashing lights, intense superior abdominal pain, difficulty breathing or decreased movementsFetalThe early diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia can help reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

Early Signs of Preeclampsia

1. Arterial hypertension: One of the main indicators of preeclampsia is persistent high blood pressure (hypertension) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Blood voltage figures equal to or greater than 140/90 mm Hg can be a reason for concern. It is important that pregnant women regularly control their blood pressure and inform their doctor of any significant increase or fluctuation.

“A persistently high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy can be an early sign of preeclampsia.”

2. Proteinuria: Another key characteristic of preeclampsia is the presence of protein in the urine. This condition, called proteinuria, occurs when the kidneys do not function properly. A urine test can detect the presence of protein, which indicates a potential risk of preeclampsia. Pregnant women should watch for changes in their urination pattern, such as increased frequency or dark-colored urine, and inform their healthcare professional if they notice any abnormalities.

“Proteinuria, or the presence of protein in the urine, is a common feature of preeclampsia and can be detected by a urine test.”

Understanding Preeclampsia

There are several early signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of preeclampsia. It is important for pregnant women and their healthcare professionals to know these signs in order to quickly identify and treat the disease. Some of the first signs of preeclampsia are:

• High blood pressure: One of the key indicators of preeclampsia is the constant elevation of blood pressure. A blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions, at least four hours apart, is considered abnormal during pregnancy.
• Proteinuria: Preeclampsia is also characterized by the presence of protein in the urine. A urinalysis that shows 300 milligrams of protein or more in a 24-hour collection, or a protein-to-creatinine ratio of 0. 3 or higher, is considered abnormal.
• Swelling: Edema, or swelling of the hands, face, legs, and feet, is a common symptom of preeclampsia. However, it is important to note that bloating can also occur in normal pregnancies, so it should be evaluated along with other signs and symptoms.

“Early detection and treatment of preeclampsia is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure and urine protein levels are essential to identify the condition.””preeclampsia in its early stages. Early intervention can help reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.”

The Importance of Early Detection

Preeclampsia is a disease that usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the fetus. It is essential that healthcare professionals recognize the early signs of preeclampsia to initiate rapid intervention and prevent potential harm.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a common symptom of preeclampsia and should be monitored periodically during pregnancy.
• Proteinuria: The presence of excess protein in the urine may indicate kidney damage and is an important indicator of preeclampsia.
• Swelling: Edema or swelling of the hands, face, legs, or feet is another early sign of preeclampsia.

By watching for these early signs and symptoms, healthcare professionals can take appropriate steps to treat preeclampsia promptly. Timely intervention may involve lifestyle modifications, medication, or, in severe cases, premature delivery of the baby. Additionally, educating pregnant women and their families about the signs of preeclampsia encourages them to seek medical care without delay, ensuring the best possible care for both mother and baby.

Unusual Swelling: A Warning Sign

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening complication that usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Identifying the early signs of preeclampsia is crucial to the health and well-being of mother and baby. Unusual swelling, also known as edema, is one of the first indicators that should not be ignored.

Signs of unusual swelling:

• Sudden and severe swelling.
• Swelling in the face, hands and around the eyes.
• Swelling that is not relieved by rest or elevation of the feet.
• Swelling accompanied by rapid weight gain.

It is important for pregnant women to monitor their bodies for any signs of unusual or excessive swelling. Greater than normal swelling may indicate the presence of preeclampsia. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Additionally, it should be noted that preeclampsia can also present other symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision changes, abdominal pain, and nausea. If these symptoms occur, it is essential to receive immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

High Blood Pressure: A Red Flag

The Silent Menace: A Stealth Beginning

Arterial hypertension is usually called the “silent murderer” due to its asymptomatic character, which hinders its detection without periodic monitoring. People may not experience any perceptible symptom until the disease has progressed significantly. However, over time, hypertension can silently damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes and other complications.

“Hypertension can damage arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This can cause heart attacks, brain spills, kidney problems and other health problems if it is not controlled.”

The importance of early detection

The early detection of hypertension is crucial to prevent the appearance of serious complications. The periodic controls of blood pressure are fundamental to identify people at risk and initiate adequate interventions. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, practicing physical activity regularly and reducing sodium intake, can help control blood voltage levels. In addition, medications can be prescribed to control hypertension to those who require additional intervention.

1. Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
2. Maintain a healthy body weight and index (BMI)
3. Exercise regularly, such as walking at a light pace or swimming.

Recognizing the first signs of hypertension and seeking medical attention can quickly reduce the risk of complications and improve the general health results. It is essential that people control their blood pressure regularly, follow a healthy lifestyle and consult health professionals for proper treatment.

Changes in Vision: A Sign of Preeclampsia

Changes in vision associated with preeclampsia can be a matter of concern and should not be ignored. These changes may include blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity and vision of flashing spots or lights. Pregnant women who experience these visual alterations should consult their doctor as soon as possible, since they can indicate the appearance of preeclampsia. It is also important to take into account that these changes in vision can occur even though other preeclampsia symptoms, such as arterial hypertension or proteins in urine.

• Blurred vision: pregnant women with preeclampsia can experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing. This can affect your ability to clearly see different distances.
• Double vision: See double or experience a distorted vision of objects can be a sign of preeclampsia. This can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks such as reading or driving.
• Light sensitivity: preeclampsia can cause an increase in light sensitivity, which makes bright lights or sunlight uncomfortable and annoying for pregnant women.
• See flashing spots or lights: Another visual syntom of preeclampsia is the presence of flashing spots or lights in the visual field. These visual alterations can be alarming and must be treated by a healthcare professional.

Preeclampsia is a serious illness that can have harmful effects for both the mother and the baby. Early detection and timely medical intervention are crucial to control and treat preeclampsia. Changes in vision, along with other symptoms such as hypertension and swelling, should not be ignored and should immediately communicate to a healthcare professional. Periodic prenatal controls are essential to detect preeclampsia in time and guarantee the wel l-being of the mother and the baby.

Protein in Urine: An Alarming Symptom

Proteinuria occurs when the kidneys deteriorate and are unable to properly filter blood waste substances. In a healthy pregnancy, the kidneys eliminate toxins and excess fluid, guaranteeing the wel l-being of the mother and the baby. However, in cases of preeclampsia, blood vessels that irrigate the kidneys can be damaged or narrowed, which causes a decrease in renal function and an increase in protein levels in the urine.

Important information:

• Proteinuria is a key preeclampsia indicator and must be quickly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
• Protein analysis in urine can be performed using a simple urine sample.
• High levels of proteins in urine can indicate renal damage and should not be ignored.

The early detection of proteinuria is crucial to treat preeclampsia and guarantee the wel l-being of both the mother and the baby. If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms or worry your urine, it is important that you consult your health care provider for proper evaluation and appropriate medical intervention.

Headaches and Abdominal Pain: Potential Indicators of Preeclampsia

Headaches: headaches during pregnancy are frequent and are not always a reason for concern. However, persistent and intense headaches, especially when they are accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate preeclampsia. These headaches are usually described as sharp or acute, and do not usually refer with sales analgesics without recipe. It is important that pregnant women monitor the frequency, intensity and duration of their headaches and comment with their doctor.

“Intense headaches that are persistent and are accompanied by visual alterations, such as blurred vision or see flashing lights, can be indicative of preeclampsia.”

• Keeping a record of any change in headache patterns can help health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
• Women should also be aware that headaches can appear at any time of pregnancy, not only in the last stages.
• Headaches accompanied by other symptoms, such as sudden increase in weight, swelling of hands and face and difficulty breathing, should be taken seriously.

Abdominal pain: pain or abdominal discomfort during pregnancy can have various causes, but it is important to know that they can be a sign of preeclampsia. Women who experience abdominal pain related to preeclampsia usually describe it as persistent pain or general discomfort at the top of the abdomen, below the rib cage. This pain is different from the typical round ligament pain or stretching that is usually experienced during pregnancy and can worsen over time. Any unusual or persistent abdominal pain should be consulted with a healthcare professional, since it may require a more thorough evaluation.

1. Pregnant women are advised to report any abdominal pain that is accompanied by arterial hypertension, intense headaches or vision changes.
2. Other symptoms that may indicate preeclampsia are nausea, vomiting and feeling of satiety even after small meals.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont