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Scary Shit Series – Preeclampsia

If preeclampsia was a person, it would be that unassuming guy at a party that farts then walks away from a conversation to go piss in the punch when no one is looking. It seems quiet and harmless, but it's sneaky and mean.

Approximately 6-8% of women develop preeclampsia and it usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can occur up to six weeks after you've had the baby. Although, 37 weeks pregnant to 48 hours post delivery tends to be the sweet spot for rearing its ugly head. What happens is your blood vessels constrict for no apparent reason (there are many theories but I won't get into that here) causing your blood pressure to rise.

A few things tend to happen…

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Featured

 Had pre-eclampsia in pregnancy? These 5 things will lower your risk of heart disease

Signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia usually resolve by about two months after the birth. However, women then have four times the risk of developing high blood pressure and twice the risk of having heart disease over their lifetime. The greatest risk is in the first ten years following pre-eclampsia.

 Pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnancy

Emergency experiences with pre-eclampsia.

 The breakthrough that could end preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal deaths

New research may finally explain the biology that triggers this deadly complication of pregnancy—and point the way to a cure.

 ‘I Could Have Died’: The Dangers of Postpartum Pre-eclampsia

It’s not just a condition that affects pregnant women.

Articles of Interest

An Open Letter to Kim Kardashian

Preeclampsia starts to resolve as soon as the baby (and technically the placenta) are out. That being said, I know women who have had complications post-partum (me), as late as a week (me) and even six weeks out (me).

Cardiovascular disease risk factors after early-onset preeclampsia, late-onset preeclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Our data show differences in the prevalence of common modifiable CVD risk factors postpartum and suggest that prevention strategies should be stratified according to severity and gestational age of onset for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Did You Know Preeclampsia Can Occur 6 Weeks AFTER Delivery?

This shouldn't be taken lightly. Preeclampsia affects 1 of every 12 pregnancies, and, globally, it and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death.

HELLP! Do I Really Want to Do This Again?

Instead of a phone call, my amazing doctor sprinted across the street to the hospital and explained that I had an extreme form of preeclampsia called HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low blood platelets). She told me that because my body had become toxic, and the only recourse was to get the baby out via an emergency C-section.

Low-dose aspirin may prevent preeclampsia: panel

Pregnant women at a high risk for the potentially fatal complication preeclampsia should take low-dose aspirin after their first trimester, according to a government-backed panel.

Low-Dose Aspirin Use for the Prevention of Morbidity and Mortality From Preeclampsia: Preventive Medication

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Daily low-dose aspirin beginning as early as the second trimester prevented clinically important health outcomes. No harms were identified, but long-term evidence was limited.

Meet the SeizureGirls

I have the pretty dubious honor of knowing a lot of women who nearly died in childbirth, and truth be told, we're all pretty awesome, but the SeizureGirls, well, they are extra, extra special.

On Preeclampsia

No one knows exactly what causes preeclamsia and no one knows exactly why some women get it and not others. But it is theorized that it is a disease of the placenta. The placenta has a finite life anyway and begins to break down and stop working at 42 weeks, this is why everyone gets concerned if you haven't delivered by 42 weeks, but it seems in preeclampsia the placenta starts to break down earlier than it should.

Panel Backs Aspirin Use for Some Pregnant Women

A federal task force recommended Monday that some pregnant women take low-dose aspirin daily to avoid getting preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to preterm birth and other complications.

Postpartum Eclampsia Almost Left My Husband A Single Dad

Postpartum pre-eclampsia isn't spoken about as much as regular pre-eclampsia. We're led to believe that we have our babies, then we're supposed to be in this land of happiness where everything is sunshine and roses.

Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Rare Complication

Postpartum preeclampsia is uncommon, and it can be easily overlooked as a diagnosis when a postpartum patient has no prior symptoms of preeclampsia. At one time, it was thought that women could not develop eclampsia if they did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy; however, this has been found to be untrue.

Pregnant after Pre-eclampsia

I'm mom to Liam, 5 years old, and Reed, born in 2010. Liam was born almost 3 months early due to preeclampsia/HELLP. Reed was born full-term in a preeclampsia free pregnancy!

Pregnant? That Headache Might Not All Be In Your Head

Being pregnant often means constantly being vigilant for “something wrong” while trying not to overreact. So if a woman gets a severe headache – one of several possible symptoms of preeclampsia – how does she know if it’s worth calling the doctor?

Respect the ‘Big P’: A Closer Look at Preeclampsia

Generally presenting itself in the latter half of the second trimester of pregnancy, “The Big P” is NOT prejudicial when choosing its victim; it is NOT a respecter of age, demographics, and social strata and is extremely detrimental to the health of its entire afflicted — mother and unborn child — regardless of religion or ethnicity. It is a great imitator, as some of its clinical presentations can mimic other diseases. If it is not recognized and treated in the early stages, it can be potentially fatal.

The Pregnancy Condition that Can Predict Future Heart Disease Risk

With rising rates of obesity and diabetes in the United States, high blood pressure in pregnant women is becoming increasingly prevalent. This can result in many pregnancy complications, the most severe of which include preeclampsia.

This Life-Threatening Disorder Affects 1 in 12 Pregnancies.. And You've Probably Never Heard of It

Preeclampsia and related disorders, such as HELLP syndrome and eclampsia, are most often characterized by the presence of protein in the urine and a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure and death of the mother and/or baby. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

You Have Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia has no prejudice. And as of right now, we don’t know what causes the condition but research is slowly shedding light on some answers. It can strike anybody so if you are pregnant please pay attention to your body and your tests at the doctor. Let your OB know if something isn’t feeling right or if your blood pressure was higher than last time.

Resources

7 Symptoms Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening disorder of pregnancy related to high blood pressure in the second and third trimesters. Every expecting mother should know the signs and symptoms and report to their health care provider should they experience any of these 7 common symptoms.

Preeclampsia Foundation

The Preeclampsia Foundation is an empowered community of patients and experts, with a diverse array of resources and support to help you have the best possible pregnancy or to help you navigate the questions you’ll have if you don’t.

Save a Mother's Life

"Save a Mother's Life" is a public awareness campaign about maternal death, and near-death, in the USA. Awareness saves lives.

Preeclampsia Survivors

Preeclampsia is a life changing experience. Welcome. Stay a while. Relax. Enjoy some peace and calm among fellow preeclampsia survivors who understand.

MayoClinic

Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both you and your baby. If you have preeclampsia, the only cure is delivery of your baby.

MedicineNet

If not properly recognized and managed, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which involves the development of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia.

MedlinePlus

Sign and symptoms of preeclampsia usually go away within 6 weeks after delivery. However, the high blood pressure sometimes get worse the first few days after delivery. If you have had preeclampsia, you are more likely to develop it again in another pregnancy. However, it is not usually as severe as the first time.

NHS

There are a number of things that can increase your chances of developing pre-eclampsia, such as: •if it is your first pregnancy •if you developed the condition during a previous pregnancy •if you have a family history of the condition •if you are over 40 years old •if you are expecting multiple babies (twins or triplets).

Patient

Pre-eclampsia can also affect various other parts of your body. It is thought that substances released from your placenta go around your body and can damage your blood vessels, making them become leaky. Any pregnant woman can develop pre-eclampsia. However, there are some women who may have an increased risk. Pre-eclampsia also runs in some families, so there may also be some genetic factor.

UpToDate

Most women with preeclampsia gradually develop hypertension and excess protein in the urine (proteinuria). Some women develop hypertension and other signs of the disease without developing proteinuria. Signs of preeclampsia can appear anytime during the last half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks of pregnancy) or in the first few days postpartum, and typically resolve within a few days after delivery.