How to Avoid Preeclampsia: A Quick Pregnancy Health Guide

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

This timeless wisdom reminds us that simple steps taken today can protect against bigger struggles tomorrow, a lesson that resonates deeply for expectant mothers. Preeclampsia, marked by high blood pressure and possible risks for both baby and mother, may seem frightening. Yet, the encouraging part is that proactive health measures with the help of caregivers can genuinely change the outcome.

Every mindful step, from the meals you choose to the movements you make, your approach to managing stress and commitment to prenatal care create a protective layer that ensures the well-being of you and your baby. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the effective management of preeclampsia to prevent this life-threatening condition and empower you with a strategy to support pregnancy with confidence, calm, and sustained good health.

Understanding Preeclampsia

A dangerous pregnancy condition with abnormal placental development that usually arises after 20 weeks, preeclampsia is identified by sudden high blood pressure and damage to organs, commonly affecting the liver or kidneys. Though most often seen during pregnancy, and in some cases, preeclampsia doesn’t end with pregnancy; it can sometimes develop even after childbirth, which is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Worldwide, it affects around 5-8% of pregnancies">5-8% of pregnancies and stands among the top contributors to maternal and infant mortality. Without timely diagnosis and proper care, it can advance into a life-threatening Preeclampsia complication. This includes Eclampsia, which causes seizures or HELLP Syndrome, a critical condition impacting liver and blood function.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Every pregnancy is unique. Specific pregnancy changes are expected in all cases, which are often harmless and typically do not require medical attention. But not all of them. Recognising the symptoms of preeclampsia at an early stage can be life-saving for both mother and child.

• High Blood Pressure: In Preeclampsia, blood pressure rises to 140/90 mmHg or higher, indicating a concerning level that can damage organs such as the kidneys, brain, and liver.
• Excess Protein in Urine: Proteinuria, excess protein in the urine, is a significant diagnostic marker of preeclampsia. This is a sign of kidney damage, where 300 mg or more of protein is found in the urine within 24 hours.
• Sudden Weight Gain: Sudden weight gain of more than 0.9 kg in a week or approximately 1.35 to 2.35 kg in a day may signal preeclampsia, often accompanied by fluid retention and swelling in the hands and face.
• Upper Abdominal Pain: Upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side, can signal liver involvement and damage, making it a severe symptom that needs immediate medical attention.
• Decreased Urination: In Preeclampsia, low urine output occurs due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, constricted kidney blood vessels, and decreased kidney function, which makes it harder for the kidneys to filter waste. This leads to less urine.
• Increased Liver Enzymes: High levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT) indicate liver damage resulting from cell injury and poor blood flow. They are key markers of HELLP syndrome, which often comes with low platelet count and red blood cell breakdown. These together define the severe risk of liver rupture or failure.

Identifying Preeclampsia early can safeguard both mother and baby. Here, caregivers play a vital role by staying vigilant, guiding the mother through prenatal visits, and helping maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unquestionably, caregivers act early, yet knowing the risks linked with Preeclampsia is essential for safer pregnancies.

>> Read More: Feeling Drained? Know the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout.

Consequences of Preeclampsia

The risks of preeclampsia often go far beyond the everyday pregnancy struggle. Its consequences can affect not just the mother’s organs but the baby’s development and chances of survival. While the awareness of preeclampsia’s complications is not meant to frighten, it is intended to empower you to seek early care.

Consequences for the Mother

• Organ damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain.
• Increased risk of stroke
• Advancing to eclampsia
• Escaling to brain injuries
• Long-term vulnerability to cardiovascular disease.
• Risk of Placental Abruption

Consequences for the Baby

1. Early delivery often results in premature birth.
2. Limited fetal development due to Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).
3. Increased possibility of stillbirth
4. Long-term health issues, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, deafness or blindness.

While these consequences may sound serious, the good news is that making the right lifestyle choices can go a long way to cut down the chances of pregnancy complications.

7 Lifestyle Strategies to Prevent Preeclampsia

Though preeclampsia complications can develop unexpectedly, evidence shows that healthy lifestyle practices can minimise risks. By implementing the following lifestyle strategies, you can proactively reduce your risk and promote safe pregnancy outcomes.

• Know Your Family History: Understanding your family history is crucial in preventing preeclampsia, as genetics plays a significant role in influencing the risk of preeclampsia. If close relatives like your mother or sister experience preeclampsia, diabetes or hypertension, this raises your chances of developing the condition. Get early guidance from your gynaecologist to take preventive measures promptly.
• Regular Prenatal Checkups: Prenatal checks help identify potential risks, such as preeclampsia, by monitoring blood pressure, urine protein, and the baby’s growth while assessing risk factors. Doctors may also recommend preventive steps, such as advanced screening like the Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) test.
• Check for Vitamin D deficiency: The WHO">WHO recommends 1.5-2g of calcium daily, which can reduce the risk of preeclampsia by 50%. For women with low calcium intake, calcium supplementation can help strengthen maternal health and support the baby’s growth, potentially reducing the risk of preeclampsia complications.

Pro Tip: Avoid overindulging in phytate-rich foods">phytate-rich foods, such as raw beans, bran, seeds, and excessive nuts, as they can block the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D and calcium.

• Stress & Mental Health Management: Caring for your mind is just as critical as caring for your body. It’s about regular checkups, self-care, and emotional support. Whether through prenatal yoga or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), these practices empower expecting mothers to stay emotionally balanced and safeguard their journey to motherhood.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight Before Pregnancy: From pre-pregnancy obesity to excessive weight gain, too much weight gain can triple the risk of preeclampsia. Carrying excess weight triggers inflammatory responses and restricts proper blood vessel function, which further compromises healthy placental development.
• Keep a Close Eye on Blood Pressure: A rise above 140/90 mmHg in preeclampsia may invite placental issues and can endanger both mother and baby. Close monitoring of blood pressure helps protect maternal organs, support placental health, and recognise warning symptoms before they escalate.
• Stay Hydrated & Limit Excess Salt: Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily and moderating salt intake by avoiding high-sodium processed foods can contribute to blood pressure regulation, minimise preeclampsia risks, and promote a healthier pregnancy.

While lifestyle strategies lower risk, treatment guidelines help manage preeclampsia effectively. Maternity insurance empowers early intervention for preeclampsia with adequate financial support for a safer and healthier pregnancy.

Read More: Health Insurance for Maternity: A Quick Guide for Pre- and Post-Natal Care

Preeclampsia Treatment Guidelines

The primary goal of preeclampsia treatment is to keep the mother stable, avoid critical issues like seizures or stroke, and support a safe outcome for the newborn. However, treatment recommendations vary based on whether the medical condition occurs before birth or in the postpartum period.

Treatment for Preeclampsia before Delivery

Before delivery, treatment for Preeclampsia aims to stabilise blood pressure, prevent seizures, and plan the optimal time for birth.

• Medications: Treatment for preeclampsia includes antihypertensives to keep blood pressure within safe limits, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention, and corticosteroids to prepare the baby’s lungs before preterm birth.
• Monitoring: While mothers are closely monitored for hypertension and organ health, babies are checked for proper growth, amniotic fluid balance, and heart performance.
• Other Management Strategies: Management of mild preeclampsia may involve bed rest, hospitalisation for severe cases, and delivery, which is the definitive treatment for the safest outcome.

Treatment for Preeclampsia Postpartum Treatment

Postpartum treatment focuses on stabilising and healing the mothers through managing hypertension, protecting against seizures, and ensuring safe healing and well-being after childbirth.

• Medications: The medications used for preeclampsia before and after delivery are similar; the only difference is the involvement of anticoagulants, which are used to minimise the risk of blood clots.
• Monitoring: Postpartum care includes frequent blood pressure checks, urine and blood tests to assess organ function, and symptom tracking to identify warning signs, such as changes in vision, headaches, or abdominal pain. At this point, caregivers can help track symptoms that persist at home, such as blood pressure readings, headaches, or swelling, and communicate these findings to the doctor.
• Other Management Strategies: Postpartum care often involves managing fluid buildup, empowering mothers with vital knowledge, and implementing practical tips, such as regularly checking blood pressure at home.

Stay informed, stay empowered, as managing Preeclampsia implies safeguarding not only the mothers but also the baby together.

Plan and Protect Motherhood with Maternity Insurance

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication which can be effectively managed if diagnosed early. Early detection and maternity health insurance, such as Care Joy, work hand in hand to ensure a secure pregnancy.

Tailored for expectant mothers and their babies, this plan provides financial security, ensuring delivery expenses are covered during the most joyful moments of life. With benefits such as pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, inpatient care, daycare treatment, and ambulance cover, Care Joy ensures all-around support, helping you to focus on motherhood with confidence and prompt care.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.