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.