From the Research
Preeclampsia most commonly develops during the third trimester of pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks of gestation, with the majority of cases diagnosed after week 34 1. While it can occur earlier, such cases are rare and often associated with specific conditions like trophoblastic diseases or antiphospholipid syndrome 2. The condition is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys, in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure. The exact cause remains unclear, but it's believed to begin in the placenta with abnormal development of blood vessels that supply the placenta, possibly due to immune factors or genetic predisposition. Some key points to consider include:
- Risk factors for preeclampsia include first pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, multiple gestation, maternal age over 35, obesity, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease 3.
- Regular prenatal care is essential for early detection, as symptoms may include severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, decreased urine output, and sudden weight gain from fluid retention.
- Current management strategies for preeclampsia emphasize early diagnosis, blood pressure control, and timely delivery, with low-dose aspirin recommended for high-risk women between 12 and 28 weeks of gestation, and magnesium sulfate advised to prevent seizures in preeclamptic women at risk of eclampsia 1. It's also important to note that preeclampsia can worsen or initially present after delivery, and women with hypertensive disorders should be monitored as inpatients or closely at home for 72 hours postpartum 3.