facebook
Over 100 Years Of Service

Pregnant women urged to learn about preeclampsia

On Behalf of | May 31, 2016 | Pregnancy-Related Injuries

Pregnant women in Massachusetts should be able to spend their 40 weeks of pregnancy giddily excited about the impending births of their babies. They should also be able to trust in the professionalism and quality of their health care providers. However, because medical errors can and do happen, it is important for mothers-to-be to be informed about some of the potential complications they may face. Being armed with information may help women to advocate for intervention if and when needed.

Preeclampsia is one condition to know about. According to MedicineNet, while 90 percent of all cases of preeclampsia happen in the last six weeks of pregnancy, it can happen anytime in the second half of pregnancies. Some women may be at a higher risk of experiencing preeclampsia than others. These include women in their 40s or under 20 as well as women pregnant for the first time.

Because preeclampsia is not curable, managing the symptoms becomes vitally important to keeping moms and babies healthy. WebMD explains that the symptoms a woman may experience can include headaches, dizzy spells, vision problems, sick feelings and even vomiting and pain in the abdomen. Clinical symptoms include high levels of protein in urine, spiking blood pressure and a surge in weight over a very short period of time.

If not properly treated, preeclampsia may pose serious risks to babies. This condition may cause babies to be born too early and therefore have very low birth weights. It can also impede a baby’s ability to receive nutrition and oxygen from a mother.