Preeclampsia: How to protect yourself and your baby
The condition during pregnancy is mainly noticeable through high blood pressure and protein in the urine. How can you prevent it and protect yourself?
During the regular check-ups carried out by your midwife, gynecologist, or doctor, not only is your belly palpated and your baby's heartbeat listened to, but your blood pressure is always measured and your urine checked. High blood pressure or protein in the urine can be signs of a so-called hypertensive pregnancy disorder – a condition that affects your circulatory system.
Maybe you have already heard terms like EPH gestosis, SIH, or even 'pregnancy poisoning.' Today, the term preeclampsia is used – which means 'condition before the seizure.' That sounds alarming at first, but the more you know about the condition, the better you can protect yourself and your baby.
The earlier preeclampsia is detected and symptomatic therapy and appropriate diagnostics are started, the better for you and your child.
What causes preeclampsia?
The exact causes are not yet fully understood. It is suspected that disturbances can already occur during the implantation of the fertilized egg, the blood vessels in the placenta do not develop properly, or the blood platelets do not function properly. Early ultrasound examinations can check the blood flow in the uterine arteries. An abnormal finding can be an indication of preeclampsia.
About five percent of all pregnant women are affected. Particularly at risk are very young or older women, women with obesity, pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia, a positive family history, a multiple pregnancy, as well as pregnant women with high blood pressure or diabetes. Blood clotting disorders, autoimmune diseases, fertility treatments, or multiple miscarriages can also increase the risk.
That is why a thorough medical history at the beginning of pregnancy is so important.
This is how preeclampsia announces itself:
The symptoms can occur together or individually.
- High blood pressure
- Headaches and dizziness
- Visual disturbances
- Water retention (edema): If you tend to have severe swelling even in the middle of pregnancy, you should take it seriously.
- Protein in the urine
- Pain in the right upper abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
If you have known risks or abnormal blood pressure readings, you will be monitored more closely, often with more frequent ultrasound examinations and blood tests. Because preeclampsia increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, even after birth, you should always have any new and persistent symptoms checked to protect yourself and your child.
How can I prevent preeclampsia?
Although there are various tests in addition to so-called Doppler sonography (here, blood flow is measured, for example, in the blood vessels of the uterus and placenta), the medical guideline does not recommend general screening for all pregnant women. Only if there is an existing risk, as described above, does it make sense to carry out a special blood test from 24+0 weeks of pregnancy, in which the presence of two proteins produced by the placenta is examined (sFlt1/PLGF ratio). This test can predict whether preeclampsia will occur in the coming week.
- If you have an increased risk, the guideline recommends taking 100-150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) daily as early as possible in pregnancy (before the 16th week). Dietary supplements such as vitamin D, omega-3, magnesium, arginine, and melatonin can have a supportive effect, but the study situation is still not clear.
An adapted diet can also help: Contrary to previous recommendations, if you are at risk of preeclampsia, you should salt your food a little more (1-2 teaspoons extra per day) and ensure sufficient protein intake (1.3g per kg body weight extra). Sometimes protein shakes are helpful.
Physical activities such as anaerobic training, yoga, or strength training can also reduce the risk according to the guideline, especially if started in early pregnancy or even before pregnancy.
What happens to the baby with preeclampsia?
If your blood pressure rises during pregnancy, it can become dangerous for you and your child. The earlier this happens, the greater the risk that the blood vessels will constrict and your baby will no longer be optimally supplied, as this also affects the placenta. This can result in your child not growing properly (fetal growth restriction) and the risk of premature birth increases. Depending on how pronounced the growth restriction is, the risks for the child before and after birth increase. In the case of preeclampsia, treatment in the hospital is often necessary. With close monitoring, symptoms can be reduced, but sometimes birth is the only therapy. A thorough benefit-risk assessment is always carried out.
And if I am affected?
Close cooperation between midwife, gynecologist, or obstetrician is now particularly important. If preeclampsia is present, care in a medical acility is recommended. Through close monitoring of blood pressure, certain blood values, ultrasound, and CTG checks, a severe course can be prevented. The earlier preeclampsia is detected and symptomatic therapy and appropriate diagnostics are started, the better for you and your child.
