Pregnant women with preeclampsia can experience decreased blood flow to vital organs. This page of the eMedTV Web site examines this dangerous condition in detail, and describes possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
This eMedTV resource outlines possible risk factors for preeclampsia. While not actual "causes" of preeclampsia, these factors, such as chronic hypertension and obesity prior to pregnancy, may increase a woman's chance of developing the condition.
This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at the symptoms of preeclampsia pregnant women may experience. Signs and symptoms often include abnormal weight gain, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and vision problems.
There is no single test a doctor can use to predict or diagnose preeclampsia. However, as this page on the eMedTV site explains, certain blood and urine tests can be useful when making a preeclampsia diagnosis.
This page of the eMedTV archives describes various early- and late-term preeclampsia treatment options, such as bed rest and a diet with no added salt. These preeclampsia treatment methods are considered when delivery of the fetus is not an option.
This section of the eMedTV library discusses the possible long-term effects of preeclampsia, including on the fetus and newborn. In most cases of preeclampsia, the mother has no long-term effects of preeclampsia after delivering the baby.
Currently, there are no proven preeclampsia prevention methods, but regular prenatal care usually detects it early so that treatment can be started. This eMedTV article looks at research on preeclampsia prevention focused on insulin-resistant women.
As this eMedTV article explains, symptoms of preeclampsia after delivery (such as headaches and vision problems) may begin up to six weeks after birth. This eMedTV resource discusses other aspects of preeclampsia after delivery in detail.
