Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia: A Complete Guide

If you are looking for diagnosis and management of Preeclampsia then hopefully you know that it’s a pregnancy-related condition where the primary symptoms are high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Understanding Preeclampsia is very important as this disorder can lead to serious health and pregnancy complications such as organ failure, stroke, fetal death etc. Not only that it can cause long-term health issues for the mother such as, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. That’s why early detection and proper management of Preeclampsia can help severely in reducing the risk.

There is no single reliable, cost-effective screening test for preeclampsia, and there are no well-established measures for primary prevention. Management before the onset of labor includes close monitoring of maternal and fetal status – Lana K. Wagner, MD

That’s why this article has useful information on how you can diagnose and manage Preeclampsia. Also how medical and lifestyle intervention can be helpful for this disorder. We aim to Empower you to balance work, relationships, family, and daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

To diagnose preeclampsia properly, there are multiple tests that a patient needs to go through; it is the right thing to do for the health of the mother and the baby. Besides, if there are any other tests required for preeclampsia, the health provider will guide you through it.

Blood pressure monitor

Preeclampsia is mainly diagnosed when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure. If your readings are above 140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions, then it can be the primary indication of preeclampsia.

If you have a high blood pressure reading during an appointment, your health care provider will likely take a second reading four hours later to confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure- Mayo Clinic

Urine Protein Testing 

One of the key symptoms of preeclampsia is excess protein in urine. When a person has preeclampsia, then the kidney can leak more protein than usual. So a 24-hour urine collection and dipstick test can provide a proper assessment of your kidney functionality.

If you are wondering what a dipstick is, then it’s a strip of paper that reacts to protein and changes colour when it comes in contact.

Blood Test 

The blood test is used to check how well your kidney and liver are functioning. Through the blood test, it also looks for signs of low platelet counts, and measures levels of uric acid, liver enzyme levels, etc. Through these tastes, it is easy to assess how much the condition may affect your body.

Ultrasound 

For fetal monitoring, ultrasound is the best possible examination. It allows the health provider to check the baby’s growth rate, the amount of amniotic fluid, and whether the placenta is working properly. In the case of preeclampsia, if the blood flow is poor, then the baby’s growth rate will be slower; that’s why ultrasound is important.

Nonstress Test 

This test checks the baby’s heart rate in response to its movements. When the baby moves in the womb, the heart rate of the baby should increase, so through the test, the healthcare provider can check if your baby is under any stress.

Managing Preeclampsia: Medical Interventions

For Preeclampsia Management, medical intervention plays a huge role. To reduce pregnancy complications, without proper medication, it’s hard to manage the symptoms of preeclampsia. So, the common medical interventions for preeclampsia that doctors suggest are

Medications to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a primary concern in preeclampsia, and antihypertensive medications are crucial in managing severe preeclampsia. The medication prescribed by the health provider will help you lower your blood pressure and reduce it to a safer level, minimizing cardiovascular risks like stroke, hypertension, etc.

Magnesium Sulfate for Seizure Prevention

In the case of severe preeclampsia, there is a risk of seizure for the mother. For that, magnesium sulfate is the standard treatment. It works by relaxing the muscles and stabilizing blood pressure, which is an essential step.

Magnesium sulphate is the medication of choice for the prevention of eclamptic seizures in women with severe preeclampsia and the treatment of women with eclamptic seizures.

Steroids for Foetal Lung Maturity

If preeclampsia leads to early delivery, steroids may be given to the mother by the doctor. The steroids help the baby’s lungs to develop more quickly in case of an early delivery. It reduces the risk of breathing difficulties in the baby and also resolves some other issues related to premature birth as well.

Hospitalization

For severe cases of preeclampsia, hospitalization for close monitoring of mother and fetal health is a must. In the hospital, doctors can monitor blood pressure, perform regular tests, and manage medications.

Anticoagulation Therapy

If the mother has a history of a blood clotting disorder, which is a part of  Help syndrome, then anti coagulation therapy might be required. This treatment helps prevent blood clots that can complicate preeclampsia.

Delivery 

It is the ultimate treatment for preeclampsia. The timing and method of delivery depend on the health of the mother and the baby. If the condition becomes severe or if the baby is at risk, then the doctor might recommend the mother deliver the baby even if it’s premature.

Induction of labor should be considered a reasonable option in patients with severe PE at ≤ 34 weeks’ gestation and has a better chance of having a successful normal vaginal delivery – National Library of Medicine

Management of Preeclampsia: Lifestyle and Home Care

Managing Preeclampsia severely involves lifestyle modifications, home care, and regular monitoring. So, the key strategies are

Bed Rest

For the mother with preeclampsia, constantly being involved in activities is highly not recommended. Moderate bed rest for the mother is very beneficial, as it helps in managing blood pressure and improves blood flow to the placenta.

However, taking excessive rest is also not recommended, as prolonged bed rest, according to WebMD can lead to, “Blood clots, Depression and anxiety, Family stress, Financial worries, especially if you have to stop working, Low birthweight for your baby, Slower recovery after birth, Weakened bones and muscles”.So, some movements and activities are fine, but you should listen to your health provider first.

Dietary Changes

It’s very important that you are consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, and whole-grain meals. Reduce the impact of salt (sodium) as it manages fluid retention and blood pressure. Then, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.

Besides that, there are multiple things that you should avoid, such as fast food, processed food, caffeine, alcohol, etc., during pregnancy. Maintaining your blood pressure and kidney health is important. And if you have to take any nutritional supplement, then your health care provider will guide you.

Regular Monitoring

At home, regular self-monitoring is a must. If you have preeclampsia, you should monitor your blood pressure, check urine for protein, measure weight and fluid intake, and track fetal movement. If you have problems with doing these tests on your own, get help from your family members. Also, frequent doctor visits are essential for the ongoing assessment and Management of Preeclampsia

Physical Activity

During pregnancy, due to preeclampsia, excessive physical activity or workouts is strictly prohibited. You can try some light physical activity for 30 minutes, like walking or prenatal yoga, and that’s it. It will help in improving blood circulation and managing stress. Besides that, don’t try lifting heavy weights or things like cycling, swimming, etc.

Stress Management

Techniques such as meditation, breathing, and prenatal yoga can be very helpful in lowering your Stress level. Then, try to get sleep quality at night and take short naps during the day if possible.

Avoiding high-stress situations or learning to manage your stress is a good idea –  Cleveland Clinic

As well as emotional support from your loved one and professionals, it is very much recommended for your emotional well-being.

Conclusion 

In the end, as you can see, medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments are the best possible way for managment of preeclampsia symptoms. So if you are noticing any physical changes during your pregnancy, then you should definitely consult your doctor. Through preeclampsia diagnosis, the early detection of the disorder can help severely in minimizing the risk of complications. However, for any severe symptom of preeclampsia, don’t hesitate or delay hospitalization.

Also, as we have learned you can’t avoid preeclampsia but you can manage it, and even though medical intervention is a primary solution still, if you don’t track your health, do regular health checkups, take proper rest, and manage your stress level, then managing the symptoms of preeclampsia would be difficult. So it’s primarily your responsibility to take care of your health.

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Dr. Madhu Goel
Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Director, Fortis La Femme

I am passionate about women’s health. With expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and various gynaecological issues, I strive to provide compassionate care. I am committed to ensuring the well-being of my patients. Follow me for insights and updates on women’s health.

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