Understanding Pre-eclampsia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment
Hi Mama!
Pre-eclampsia has been a recent hot topic as I have seen a rise in diagnoses within our local birth community - I’m not sure if this is just a coincidence or if there is actually an increase in pre-eclampsia. Because of this, I really wanted to take some time to talk about pre-eclampsia. We are going to chat about what it is, how to prevent it, how to know if you have it, how to "treat” it, etc. As you’re reading this, please do not let the information scare you or worry you. If you’re reading this and at any time you are feeling stressed out or anxious, take a moment to pause, breathe and say a prayer over you and your baby. My intention in this blog is to minimize as much intervention as possible and help you have the best birthing experience. Let’s dive in -
What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a disorder in pregnancy (and can even occur in postpartum) that involves the sudden development of hypertension (high blood pressure) and often proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). It is most commonly diagnosed in women after the 20th week of pregnancy, though it can occur earlier. This condition affects the placenta and can lead to poor blood flow to the baby, resulting in complications such as low birth weight, preterm birth, or in severe cases, stillbirth.
Pre-eclampsia Statistics
Pre-eclampsia affects approximately 5-8% of all pregnancies globally. In the United States alone, between 2-6% of healthy, first-time mothers develop this condition.
The Four Stages of Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia can progress through four stages, with each stage requiring different levels of medical attention.
1. Mild Pre-eclampsia:
Characterized by elevated blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) and the presence of protein in the urine.
Minimal symptoms like slight swelling in the hands or face may be present.
2. Moderate Pre-eclampsia:
Blood pressure increases further (160/100 mmHg or higher) and protein levels in the urine become more significant.
There may be noticeable swelling, headaches, or visual disturbances.
3. Severe Pre-eclampsia:
Blood pressure exceeds 160/110 mmHg and organ damage becomes more apparent (e.g., liver enzymes rise, kidney function declines).
Severe symptoms include extreme headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs.
4. Eclampsia:
The most serious stage of pre-eclampsia, leading to seizures and potentially fatal outcomes if not treated.
Other complications may include liver rupture, stroke, or severe bleeding.
Signs and Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia
Early detection of pre-eclampsia is crucial to ensure appropriate care. Signs and symptoms can vary from mild to severe, including:
High blood pressure: Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
Proteinuria: Protein in the urine, often found through a routine urine test.
Severe headaches: Unrelenting headaches that do not go away with regular treatments.
Swelling: Unusual swelling, especially in the face and hands.
Vision changes: Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision.
Upper abdominal pain: Particularly under the ribs on the right side.
Nausea or vomiting: Particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.
Decreased urine output: Often linked to impaired kidney function.
Sudden weight gain: Rapid weight gain of more than 2 pounds per week due to fluid retention.
How is Pre-eclampsia Diagnosed?
Though high blood pressure is the most common indicator of pre-eclampsia, the diagnosis goes beyond just blood pressure readings. A thorough evaluation includes blood work, urine analysis, and sometimes imaging tests.
1. Blood Pressure:
Consistently elevated blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or more is a key criterion for diagnosing pre-eclampsia.
2. Blood Work:
Liver Function Tests: Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT levels above 70 units/L).
Platelet Count: A low platelet count (below 100,000 cells per microliter) indicates a blood clotting disorder.
Creatinine Levels: Elevated levels (greater than 1.1 mg/dL) suggest reduced kidney function.
3. Urine Analysis:
Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine (300 mg or more in a 24-hour urine collection) is another key sign of pre-eclampsia. This indicates that the kidneys are not filtering waste properly.
4. Other Diagnostic Tools:
Non-Stress Test: This test measures the baby’s heart rate in response to movements and can help identify any distress due to restricted blood flow.
Natural Remedies for Preventing Pre-eclampsia
While pre-eclampsia can’t always be prevented, certain natural remedies may help reduce the risk:
1. Nutrition: A nutrient-rich diet that includes 80-100 grams of protein per day (ideally from animal-based sources) and whole foods are incredibly important. You want to make sure you are getting the following vitamins in your daily diet (all of these can be found in grass-fed beef organs (I like Heart & Soil “Beef Organs” and “Lifeblood”), raw dairy products, and organic fruit):
Calcium
Vitamin D
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA)
Antioxidants (Vitamin C and Vitamin E)
Folate
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
B Vitamins (B6, B12)
2. Consistent Exercise: Staying physically active during pregnancy can help keep blood pressure in check and improve circulation. Try to exercise daily and/or move your body frequently.
3. Hydration: Drinking enough water helps the body manage fluid levels and supports kidney function. I also recommend adding a great electrolyte to your water like LMNT (which is my personal favorite).
4. Stress Reduction: Spending intentional time to relax and slow down is incredibly important. Things like: deep breathing, relaxing in an epsom salt bath, praying, journaling, stretching, etc. can reduce stress, which is often linked to high blood pressure.
5. Adequate Sleep: Ensuring 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night helps the body maintain overall health and hormone balance.
6. Magnesium: Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Additionally, pre-eclampsia is associated with inflammation in the body. Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to mitigate some of the underlying factors contributing to pre-eclampsia. It’s also important for maintaining proper electrolyte balance, which affects blood pressure control. Proper magnesium levels ensure that potassium and sodium, which also regulate blood pressure, are balanced in the body.
Medical and More Invasive Ways to Prevent or Manage Pre-eclampsia
If natural methods do not suffice, more invasive preventive measures and treatments may be needed:
1. Low-dose Aspirin: For women at high risk of pre-eclampsia, taking a low-dose aspirin (81 mg) daily from the second trimester may reduce the risk of developing the condition.
2. Calcium Supplementation: Studies suggest that calcium supplements may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, particularly in women with low calcium intake.
3. Antihypertensive Medications: In cases where blood pressure remains high, medications like labetalol or nifedipine may be prescribed to lower blood pressure without harming the baby.
4. Magnesium Sulfate: In severe cases, magnesium sulfate is often administered intravenously to prevent seizures (eclampsia).
5. Early Delivery (induction): In cases where pre-eclampsia is progressing rapidly or becomes life-threatening, early delivery of the baby may be the only way to prevent serious complications for both mother and child. This may involve inducing labor.
Treating Pre-eclampsia
Once pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, unfortunately, there isn’t a cure other than the delivery of baby. Close monitoring and management are essential:
Monitoring: Frequent prenatal check-ups with blood pressure monitoring and urine tests to track protein levels.
Hospitalization: For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor mom and baby more closely.
Delivery: The only definitive treatment for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby. In many cases, this means delivering the baby early, sometimes before 37 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
Encouragement
I know that pregnancy can bring its share of worries and fears and I share this information with the intention of bringing awareness on how to prevent pre-eclampsia and/or navigate it if it comes up. Please trust that no matter what, your body was beautifully designed for this journey.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7
If you have received a pre-eclampsia diagnosis, please know that I am here for you and I would love to chat with you (at no charge) so send me a message (Email Me)! My heart goes out to you as you navigate this unexpected turn. You are stronger than you know and you have everything within you to face this challenge.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” — Psalm 46:1-
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” — Isaiah 41:13
Conclusion
The chances an expecting mama will develop pre-eclampsia is low but it is quite serious if diagnosed. Pre-eclampsia requires timely diagnosis and careful management. By being aware of the signs and symptoms, expecting mamas can take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection. While a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk, medical interventions like low-dose aspirin or antihypertensive medications may be necessary to manage more severe cases. Expecting mamas should maintain regular prenatal care and communicate any concerning symptoms to their healthcare providers. Through a combination of natural remedies, medical management, and vigilant prenatal care, the risks associated with pre-eclampsia can be minimized, allowing for a healthier pregnancy and safer delivery.
Anything stated in this blog is not medical advice.
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