What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is one of the possible complications that can occur during pregnancy . It is a hypertensive disorder , meaning it is a condition characterized primarily by an increase in the patient's blood pressure. Preeclampsia typically develops in the second half of pregnancy and currently affects between 2% and 8% of pregnant women.

Thus, once again, Dr. Isabel Rodríguez Piñero , gynecologist at the Women's Unit , explains some of the most important issues about preeclampsia on her Instagram account.

Which are the risk factors?

In general, the main risk factors that can determine the onset of preeclampsia during pregnancy are:

  • Suffer from chronic hypertension.
  • Having had preeclampsia in previous pregnancies.
  • Suffering from an autoimmune disease.
  • Suffering from kidney disease.
  • Multiple pregnancies.
  • Present pregestational diabetes.

In addition, there are other factors associated with preeclampsia that we can consider moderate , such as:

  • Pregnant women over 40 years old.
  • A body mass index greater than 35.
  • Being nulliparous, that is, never having given birth.
  • Having a period between pregnancies of more than 10 years.

What are the main symptoms?

One of the main indicators of preeclampsia is high blood pressure . But there are also other symptoms and markers that can alert you to a possible case of preeclampsia:

  • Detect excess protein in the urine, which is called proteinuria.
  • Have a low level of platelets in the blood.
  • Elevated liver enzymes, which may indicate liver failure.
  • Severe headaches.
  • Flashing vision, loss of vision, blurred vision…
  • Nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Experience shortness of breath.
  • Present pain below the ribs, on the right side.

How to prevent?

In the first trimester of pregnancy, an initial screening is performed using ultrasound markers and blood tests to identify patients at higher risk, allowing for close monitoring. If a high-risk level is found, aspirin will be prescribed throughout the pregnancy, as aspirin has been shown to prevent up to 40% of severe preeclampsia cases.

What are the risks?

As Dr. Rodríguez-Piñero explains, preeclampsia can cause neurological, hepatic, and renal problems in the mother . Regarding the risks to the fetus , the main risk is intrauterine growth restriction or low birth weight. Therefore, it is crucial to remember the importance of thorough prenatal care to detect this or any other complication early.

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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.

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