Here are 5 things you need to know about common complications during pregnancy!

Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy, occurring in about 1 in 20 pregnant women, usually in the third trimester. If untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, with convulsions, coma, and even death. Who is susceptible to pre-eclampsia and how to prevent it? Let's find out together!

The mechanism of preeclampsia is unclear, and its risk factors include:

• First pregnancy: The risk of preeclampsia is much higher in a first pregnancy than in a second pregnancy.

• Pregnancy interval: If the interval between the second pregnancy and the first pregnancy is more than 10 years, there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the second pregnancy.

• Family history: Women whose mothers or sisters have preeclampsia are at higher risk.

• Past history of preeclampsia: Women with preeclampsia in their first pregnancy are at increased risk for a second pregnancy.

• Age: Women and adolescents over the age of 40 are more likely to develop preeclampsia.

• Comorbidities: Women with diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, and kidney disease are more likely to develop preeclampsia.

• Obesity: Obese women have a higher incidence of preeclampsia.

• Multiple pregnancies: Women with second or multiple pregnancies are at higher risk for preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia may be asymptomatic in the early stages. High blood pressure and proteinuria are early signs of preeclampsia, but many women are unaware of it and only find it out during pregnancy. As preeclampsia progresses, patients may develop water retention -- edema of the hands, feet, ankles, and face.

It is important to note that although 6% to 8% of pregnant women develop high blood pressure, the presence of high blood pressure does not necessarily lead to preeclampsia. In addition, edema does not necessarily mean preeclampsia. Many pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, will experience physiological edema, which can be relieved after rest, while preeclampsia edema often occurs suddenly and is more serious.

Other symptoms include:

? Blurred vision

? Headache

? Worn out

? Shortness of breath

? Rapid weight gain in the short term (due to water retention)

? Vomit

? Decreased urine output

? Thrombocytopenia

? Impaired liver function

The main manifestation of the fetus is growth restriction due to reduced blood supply to the placenta.

If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications. Common complications include:

• HELLP Syndrome: HELLP is a severe complication characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and thrombocytopenia, which can be life-threatening to both the mother and the fetus. It is common after childbirth, but can also occur after 20 weeks of gestation.

• Insufficient placental blood flow: Insufficient blood flow to the placenta reduces oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which can lead to slow growth, difficulty breathing, and premature birth.

• Placental abruption: Refers to the partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the delivery of the fetus. In severe cases, massive bleeding may occur, endangering the lives of the fetus and the mother.

? Eclampsia: Convulsions occur on the basis of pre-eclampsia, and patients may experience severe headache, blurred vision, and confusion. If left untreated, coma, permanent brain damage, and death can occur.

• Cardiovascular disease: Women with preeclampsia are at increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Although preeclampsia cannot be completely prevented, the following steps can be taken to maintain normal high blood pressure and reduce the risk of preeclampsia:

? Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

? Avoid fried or processed foods

? Reduce salt intake

? exercise more

? Avoid alcohol and caffeine

? Elevate the lower body every day

? rest

? Take supplements and medications as directed by your doctor

Childbirth is the only way to cure preeclampsia, but preeclampsia in early pregnancy is not suitable for childbirth. You can increase the frequency of obstetric examinations and give the following drugs:

? Antihypertensive drugs: lower blood pressure

? Anticonvulsants: Use in severe patients to prevent epilepsy.

• Corticosteroids: In patients with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, corticosteroids may improve platelet and liver function and prolong pregnancy.

Mild symptoms can be rested in bed to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow to the placenta. Preeclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy can be given to delivery, and the symptoms of preeclampsia usually disappear within a few weeks after delivery.

Compiled from: Everything you need to know about preeclampsia. medicalnewstoday. 22 December 2017