HOW CAN PREECLAMPSIA AFFECT ME AND MY BABY?, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
A preeclampsia diagnosis for a pregnant woman may increase anxiety of the outcome and health of herself and her baby. Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition and doesn’t have significantly noticeable symptoms. However, if you visit your doctor regularly and receive proper screening and testing, preeclampsia can be diagnosed and monitored for a positive outcome.
Still, for most women, the first question is, “How can preeclampsia affect me and my baby?”
Effects of Preeclampsia
In simple terms, the more severe the preeclampsia condition and the earlier it appears, the higher the risks for the mom and baby. In most cases, women are diagnosed with a mild version of preeclampsia near their due date, which results in a positive outcome with proper care and analysis. When preeclampsia is severe, it may affect organs, and lead to serious pregnancy complications. That’s why if the preeclampsia is getting worse, your doctors may recommend an early delivery.
Preeclampsia leads to the constriction of blood vessels, which is shown in consistent high blood pressure, which can affect organs, such as your kidneys, liver, brain, and uterus. Reduced blood flow to the uterus may lead to insufficient fetal growth, low amniotic fluid, and placental abruption, which may put your baby at risk. Additionally, if your doctor recommends an early delivery to protect your health, the baby may need to be born prematurely.
As for the health of the mother, preeclampsia may cause changes in the blood vessels, which may result in capillaries to expel fluid into the tissues, resulting in an edema or swelling. Fortunately, for most preeclampsia patients, the condition resolves on its own after the delivery. However, during an annual checkup, women should address their preeclampsia history with their doctor to ensure heart health and proper organ function even after their baby is delivered.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
