There are so many side effects to being pregnant that sometimes, women may not be able to tell what symptoms are simply part of pregnancy and which ones require medical attention. Preeclampsia can be dangerous, and, if untreated, can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and the child. Pregnant women need to be informed about the dangers preeclampsia can cause, how it is treated, and, if they think there may have been an issue with the medical care they received, the best way to contact a medical malpractice lawyer.
What is preeclampsia?
Formerly called toxemia, preeclampsia is a disorder that develops usually after 20 weeks into a pregnancy. It is marked by high blood pressure as well as high levels of protein found in urine.
It occurs when many small blood vessels clamp down in the liver, the brain, the kidneys, and other organs (hence the name preeCLAMPsia). The larger blood vessels also constrict in cases of preeclampsia, which is what causes blood pressure to rise.
Preeclampsia occurs and causes complications in around five to eight percent of all pregnancies. Most women who are treated for preeclampsia, if they receive prompt medical attention, will still deliver a healthy baby with minimal issues. If left untreated, however, preeclampsia can cause serious problems with the pregnancy and is the leading cause of maternal death.
Symptoms of preeclampsia
There are many symptoms of preeclampsia in addition to the high blood pressure and high urinary protein levels. These include:
* Severe headaches
* Ankle swelling that does not recede after 12 hours of rest
* Sudden rapid weight gain (more than two pounds a week) that is related to water retention
* Shortness of breath
* Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or flashing lights
* Anxiety or confusion
* Pain in the upper area of the abdomen
* Pain in the shoulder
* Pain or a burning sensation behind the sternum
* Nausea or vomiting
If you or a loved one are experiencing a collection of these symptoms, speak with a medical professional immediately.
Risk factors for preeclampsia
Some pregnancies are more prone to the development of preeclampsia than others. If any of the following factors are relevant to you, it’s important to be vigilant about not letting any of these symptoms continue without letting a medical professional know.
* Pregnant teens
* First-time pregnancies
* Pregnancies over age 40
* Obese women
* Diabetes
* Autoimmune disorders
* Blood clotting disorders
* Multiple pregnancies
* Family history of developing preeclampsia
Treatment options for preeclampsia
Many women who are diagnosed with preeclampsia are hospitalized to allow for constant supervision and care. However, if the case is milder, the patient may just be put on bed rest (or a restricted activity schedule, because complete bed rest can allow for more blood clots to form).
In this case, the patient will often be asked to monitor their blood pressure as well as visit their medical provider frequently for check-ups.
If a woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia at 37 weeks pregnant or later, a medical professional will most likely induce labor or conduct a cesarean section.
Doctors can also prescribe medications to prevent eclamptic seizures, which can happen in many cases of preeclampsia and can be dangerous to the health of both the mother and the baby.
When do symptoms go away?
In the vast majority of cases, any symptoms of preeclampsia are resolved fully within 24 hours of the delivery of the child. In more rare cases, it can take up to 3 weeks for these symptoms to subside.
The prognosis for many women with preeclampsia is “excellent,” although there is some evidence to show that women who experience preeclampsia may be at higher risk for heart disease or high blood pressure later in their lives.
Final thoughts
If you or a loved one have suffered from preeclampsia and believe your suffering was worsened due to acts of medical malpractice, help is available. Contact a medical malpractice lawyer for a confidential consultation.
