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What is pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are conditions associated with high blood pressure, loss of protein in the urine and swelling of the body that occur during pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is also called toxaemia of pregnancy, which may develop into eclampsia if it is complicated by fits. These conditions usually develop in the second half of pregnancy though sometimes they develop shortly after birth.
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What are the causes?
The exact cause of this problem is not known. The disorder is at any rate triggered by one or more substances produced by the placenta (the afterbirth), which induce a generalised reaction in the pregnant woman. One of the main features of this reaction is a constriction of the small arteries of the body.
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What are the symptoms?
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face
- Headache and dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased production of urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- A state of confusion.
Who is at greater risk?
What are the complications associated with the problem?
How is it diagnosed?
A woman's blood pressure is always measured at every visit to the doctor and a record is maintained. If the diastolic (lower reading) blood pressure is found to be high (95mmHg or more instead of the normal 80mmHg) and the systolic (upper reading, 150-160 mmHg instead of the normal 120 mmHg) or if there is protein in the urine as diagnosed by urine examination , the condition is called pre-eclampsia.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of pre-eclampsia is bed rest and as soon as the foetus has a good chance of survival outside the womb the doctor should decide on delivery. Careful monitoring of blood pressure, weight and urine checks for protein are needed. Delivery can be induced in the following instances: