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Pre-Eclampsia
What is Pre-Eclampsia?
Hypertension is the most common medical problem encountered by women during pregnancy. It occurs in 2 to 3% of all pregnancies and has to be taken seriously. In women with chronic hypertension 1 out of 4 of develop pre-eclampsia.
There are 3 general types of hypertension:
- Chronic hypertension-blood pressure is over 140/90 mm Hg either before pregnancy or before reaching 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
- Gestational hypertension-transient or temporary hypertension
Pre eclampsia is defined as the new onset of high blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, usually with higher-than-normal levels of protein found in the urine. It affects about 5% of all pregnancies and typically lasts for up to 2 weeks after delivery. However, there is concern that the woman will become hypertensive later in life. In its most severe form, pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening problem and would result in the blood pressure being 160/110 mm Hg.
What are the causes of Pre-Eclampsia and Hypertension?
The causes of pre-eclampsia and elevated blood pressure during pregnancy are not well understood. Most experts believe that pre-eclampsia starts with a poorly developed placenta that doesn’t circulate blood normally. Multiple factors are thought to play a part in pre-eclampsia, including:
- Family history
- An abnormal immune system response. This immune response is caused by exposure to an antigen from the father and can result in narrowing of the blood vessels throughout the body thus leading to high blood pressure.
- A biochemical factor that causes the blood vessels to narrow, raising blood pressure.
- Underlying kidney disease, diabetes, or other diseases that cause blood vessel problems.
- Women under 18 years of age or older than 35 years of age.
- First time pregnancy
- Pregnancy with a new partner or husband
- Hypertension prior to pregnancy
- High cortisol or aldosterone levels that can lead to secondary hypertension
- Systemic Lupus
- Obesity
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Having a multiple birth
What are the symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia?
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Abdominal pain or tenderness, especially on upper right side
- Swollen ankles and rapid weight gain
- Visual disturbances
- Headache localized more to the front
- Blood clotting problems
- Breathing problems especially when lying flat
- Decreased urination
- Swollen hands, feet, and face that comes on sudden and persists
- No Symptoms at all–mild cases
- Seizures–severe cases
Chinese Medicine Treatment of Pre-Eclampsia
Research shows the effectiveness of Chinese medicine in regulating the immune and endocrine systems, adjusting cortisol levels, decreasing swelling and edema, reducing headaches, and improving abdominal pain. Also, Acupuncture and dietary modifications can help with the obesity and diabetes factors that contribute to pre-eclampsia. Our protocol involves treating the underlying causes for and the symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia. We accomplish this with the use acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, dietary and nutritional counseling.
Western Treatment of Pre-Eclampsia
- Close monitoring by a doctor for signs of preeclampsia. If blood pressure increases to 140/100 mm Hg, you may be treated with blood pressure medication. Severe high blood pressure of 160/110 can result in poor fetal growth and is treated with antihypertensive medication.
- A balanced diet, mild aerobic exercise, and possibly blood pressure medication.
- Calcium supplements have been found to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia and the risk of having a low-birth-weight baby. Take at least 1200 mg of calcium per day.
- Low-dose aspirin (antiplatelet) therapy is a moderately effective preventive treatment for women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Take 75 mg or less, started no earlier than the second trimester, to be a safe preventive measure for women at risk of pre-eclampsia.
Medication Choices
High blood pressure medications commonly used during pregnancy include:
- Methyldopa: a first-choice oral medication
- Hydralazine: Intravenous medication for quickly lowering severely high blood pressure
- Labetalol: intravenous medication for quickly lowering severely high blood pressure
- Nifedipine: a first choice oral medication
- Magnesium Sulfate: safest and most effective anticonvulsant
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