Recognizing and Managing Preeclampsia: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Diagnosing and Managing Serious Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy Envision being in your final trimester, feeling healthy when unexpectedly, you encounter distressing symptoms—shortness of breath, facial and hand swelling, blurred vision, excruciating headaches, and persistent abdominal discomfort. These alarming signs might indicate preeclampsia, a condition increasingly concerning for pregnant women. Preeclampsia results from irregular blood vessel formation and circulation within the placenta, potentially escalating to severe hypertension and impacting vital organs if left untreated. Although it's predominantly seen post-20 weeks of gestation, it can occur postpartum. Alarmingly, cases can lead to strokes, seizures, or even death for both mother and child. Despite its dangers, many affected women deliver healthy babies and recover fully. Currently, preeclampsia affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies, with rates rising by 25% over the past 20 years. Disparities exist, as Black women face a 60% higher risk compared to their white counterparts, suffering from severe complications. Awareness and early detection remain crucial for maternal health, emphasizing diligent prenatal care and lifestyle maintenance.