Pre-eclampsia - what does this mean
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. it is caused by a problem with the placenta, which is the organ that connects the mother and baby, and can cause serious health problems for both mother and baby.
What happens during the disease - pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, likely caused by an abnormal placentation resulting in an inadequate placental perfusion, which leads to an increased systemic vascular resistance, increased circulating cytokines, and an exaggerated maternal inflammatory response. this in turn leads to increased blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema, and can cause serious complications in both the mother and the developing fetus.
Pre-eclampsia - Prevention
Pre-eclampsia can be prevented through early and regular prenatal care, healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, as well as taking low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy.