Preeclampsia Treatment in Gurgaon

Preeclampsia in pregnancy does not always cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• High blood pressure

• Persistent or severe headache

• Blurred vision, seeing spots, or other changes in eyesight

• Sudden swelling of the face or hands

• Sudden or excessive weight gain due to fluid retention

• Pain in the upper abdomen, particularly under the ribs

• Nausea or vomiting, especially during the second half of pregnancy

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Reduced urine output in some cases

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher after 20 weeks of pregnancy requires medical evaluation. A reading of 160/110 mm Hg or higher is considered severe and requires urgent medical attention.

If you experience symptoms of preeclampsia in pregnancy like severe headache, vision changes, severe upper abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, or very high blood pressure during pregnancy or after delivery, consult a gynecologist near you to understand preeclampsia causes.

The exact cause of preeclampsia or eclampsia is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be linked to abnormal development and functioning of the placenta, along with changes in the mother's blood vessels and immune system. These changes may affect blood flow to the placenta and contribute to high blood pressure and organ-related complications.

Possible factors associated with the development of preeclampsia include:

• Abnormal placental development: Problems with the way the placenta develops and attaches to the uterus may affect blood flow during pregnancy.

• Changes in blood vessels: Abnormal changes in the mother's blood vessels may reduce blood flow to the placenta and contribute to increased blood pressure.

• Immune system changes: Alterations in the mother's immune response may play a role in how the placenta develops and functions.

• Reduced blood flow to the placenta: Inadequate blood supply to the placenta may trigger processes that affect blood vessels throughout the mother's body.

• Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or certain autoimmune disorders may increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia.

It is important to remember that preeclampsia can occur even in women without any known risk factors, which is why regular prenatal monitoring is important.

Preeclampsia is diagnosed based on blood pressure measurements, urine and blood tests, symptoms, and assessment of the health and development of the baby. Your obstetrician may recommend:

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Repeated blood pressure measurements help determine whether high blood pressure is present and whether it is becoming severe.

• Urine Tests: A urine test may be performed to check for protein in the urine. Proteinuria can be an important sign of preeclampsia, although preeclampsia can also be diagnosed without protein in the urine when other signs of organ involvement are present.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be recommended to assess whether preeclampsia is affecting important organs. These may include tests to evaluate:

  • Platelet count

  • Kidney function

  • Liver function

  • Other markers of organ involvement

• Fetal Monitoring: Your doctor may recommend ultrasound examinations to monitor the baby's growth, amniotic fluid levels, and overall well-being. Depending on the pregnancy and severity of the condition, additional fetal monitoring may also be advised.

Treatment of preeclampsia depends on the severity of preeclampsia, the stage of pregnancy, and the health of both the mother and baby. The main goals are to control blood pressure, prevent complications, monitor fetal well-being, and determine the safest time for delivery.

• Close Monitoring: Women with preeclampsia without severe features may require frequent prenatal visits, blood pressure monitoring, blood and urine tests, and regular assessment of fetal growth and well-being.

• Blood Pressure Medicines: When blood pressure becomes significantly elevated, the doctor may prescribe medicines that are considered appropriate during pregnancy. These medicines help reduce the risk of serious complications associated with very high blood pressure.

• Medicines to Prevent Seizures: In severe preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate may be given in a hospital setting to help prevent seizures and reduce the risk of eclampsia.

• Delivery: Delivery is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia because the condition is related to the placenta. However, the timing of delivery depends on gestational age, severity of preeclampsia, the mother's health, and the baby's well-being.

If the condition is stable, doctors may recommend continued pregnancy with close monitoring when appropriate. If severe preeclampsia develops or the health of the mother or baby is at risk, early delivery may be necessary. Depending on the individual clinical situation, delivery may be vaginal or by cesarean section.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia. These include:

• Previous history of preeclampsia

• First pregnancy

• Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples

• Chronic high blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus

• Maternal age of 35 years or older

• Obesity

• Family history of preeclampsia

• A long interval between pregnancies

• Certain complications during a previous pregnancy

• Pregnancy following IVF or assisted reproductive treatment

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop preeclampsia. Similarly, women without known risk factors can also develop the condition.

Preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, but regular prenatal care and healthy pregnancy habits can help reduce risks and detect the condition early.

• Attend regular prenatal check-ups: Regular visits help monitor blood pressure, urine, fetal growth, and overall pregnancy health.

• Manage existing health conditions: Keep conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease under proper medical control.

• Follow healthy pregnancy habits: Maintain a balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, healthy weight gain, and take medicines only as advised by your doctor.

• Ask about low-dose aspirin: Women at higher risk may be advised to take low-dose aspirin. Never start aspirin during pregnancy without medical advice.

• Know the warning signs: Seek prompt medical care for severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or high blood pressure.

Regular monitoring and timely medical care can help protect both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.

Miracles Healthcare is the best maternity hospital in Gurgaon and provides maternity and obstetric care for women throughout pregnancy, including the evaluation and management of pregnancy complications. Women with high blood pressure or suspected preeclampsia can benefit from timely assessment, appropriate investigations, maternal monitoring, and fetal surveillance under the guidance of an obstetrician.

If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia or have symptoms such as persistent headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or high blood pressure, do not delay medical evaluation. Consult a gynae near you at Miracles Healthcare for early assessment to determine the safest course of care for you and your baby.