Expectant moms with pre-eclampsia need spl care

Pre-eclampsia, a disorder of pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal deaths, especially in India. With high blood pressure (more than 140/90) and presence of proteins in urine, this is experienced by 8 to 10 women in every 100 and about 1 to 2 of them have a serious form of pre-eclampsia. May 22 is celebrated as World Preeclampsia Day. Doctors at AIIMS Nagpur informed about this disorder and said pregnant women with the disorder need to take special care during the Covid-19 days.
“All women who are pregnant or thinking about having a baby should have some knowledge about the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia that may be present during pregnancy and up to six weeks post-partum,” said Dr Suchita Mundle, from department of obstetrics and gynaecology, AIIMS Nagpur. “Pre-eclampsia is also an important factor for preterm and low birth weight babies, accounting for 5,00,000 neonatal deaths each year. We are avoiding regular visits to hospitals during Covid-19 times. But pregnant women should not avoid going to hospital if they have the symptoms suggestive of pre-eclampsia,” she said.
“World is now facing Covid-19 pandemic. Guidelines for preventing novel coronavirus infection in pregnant women highly recommend Covid distancing and staying at home. The visits for antenatal care are to be timed, care to be provided telephonically. In such conditions, women must be educated about symptoms and signs of pre-eclampsia, home monitoring for growth of the baby and blood pressure measurements,” said Dr Anita Yadav.
There is as yet no known way to prevent pre-eclampsia. Use of aspirin from early pregnancy in women who are at high risk can delay the onset and prevent severity of the disorder. Monitoring of blood pressure, awareness about the symptoms can help in preventing the complications.
Some women may have pre-eclampsia with no risk. But, common risk factors are pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy, previous chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, Sickle cell disease, autoimmune disorders, (history of three or more pregnancy losses), polycystic ovarian syndrome etc.
What Is Preeclampsia
Develops after 20th week of pregnancy up to 6 weeks of delivery
High blood pressure (more than 140/90)
Protein in urine and swelling over face and hands
Can result in restricted baby growth, damage to liver, kidney, lungs, brain
Who are at risk
Women having pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy
Having chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, Sickle cell disease, autoimmune disorders, history of three or more pregnancy losses, Polycystic ovarian syndrome; age above 35 years or below 20 years, obesity with body mass index above 30, first pregnancy, twin pregnancy, pregnancy after IVF, family history of pre-eclampsia in mother or sister
What can you do
Monitor symptoms and signs
Record blood pressure
Monitor weight gain
Monitor growth of baby