Preeclampsia - eclampsia occurs in a 4 percent of first pregnancies. A history of preeclampsia increases the risk that it will occur in subsequent pregnancies.
Characteristics of preeclampsia
It represents a syndrome characterized by:
1. Insulin resistance
2. Oxidative stress
3. Blood vessel spasms
4. Increased blood pressure
5. Blood coagulation
6. Elevated levels of cholesterol
Virtually all maternal organs can be affected in preeclampsia. Organ most affect by small blood clot, Vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow are the placenta and the mother's kidney, liver and brain. Many of the metabolic abnormalities observed in the preeclampsia are present before it is diagnosed.
Occurrence of preeclampsia during pregnancy doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Women with preeclampsia re at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension later in life.
Sign and symptoms of preeclampsia
Hypertension
Increased urinary protein
Blurred vision
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Low urine output
Headaches
Outcomes related to the existence of preeclampsia during pregnancy
Mother
Early delivery by caesarean section
Acute renal dysfunction
Increased risk of gestational diabetes
Placenta abruption
Newborn
Preterm delivery
Growth restriction
Respiratory distress syndrome
Fetal death
Maternal death
Risk factors for preeclampsia
First pregnancy
Poor calcium status
Poor vitamin D status
Renal failure
Chronic hypertension
Insulin resistance
Multifetal pregnancy
Underweight
Vitamin and mineral supplementation and the risk of preeclampsia
Oxidative stress and a lack of antioxidant defenses appear to play key role in development of preeclampsia. It was theorized that therapeutic doses of vitamin C and E would decrease oxidative stress and the risk of preeclampsia.
Supplemental vitamin D and calcium supplementations are referred to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in women with poor vitamin D and calcium status.
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