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 Web page discusses common preeclampsia signs, such as vision problems, headaches, and high blood pressure. It also serves as a reminder that possible symptoms of preeclampsia are also seen in perfectly normal pregnancies.
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.
Can preeclampsia be treated? Yes, in some cases when it is too early to deliver the baby. As this eMedTV page explains, preeclampsia can be treated with bed rest, a no-added-salt diet, and blood pressure medication.
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.
This segment of the eMedTV Web site lists symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia and discusses treatment options. Symptoms may appear up to six weeks after the delivery of the baby and include high blood pressure and vision problems.
