Overview

 Preeclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and signs of organ dysfunction, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It mostly affects the mother's blood vessels, slowing blood flow to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and placenta. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, the baby's growth and health may be affected. Preeclampsia can be mild or severe, and it can get worse quickly if not treated. Regular prenatal checkups are very important for the early detection and prevention of serious problems for both the mother and the baby.

Symptoms
Some common signs include high blood pressure that doesn't respond to treatment, swelling in the face or hands, sudden weight gain, severe headaches, blurry vision, and upper abdominal pain. Some women may feel sick, have trouble breathing, or not urinate as much. Seizures, which are called eclampsia, can happen in very bad cases. You need to get medical help right away if you see any warning signs.

Causes
The exact causes of preeclampsia are still unknown, but it has to do with the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the placenta. Risk factors encompass first pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and familial history. Autoimmune disorders and advanced maternal age may also elevate risk.

Diagnosis
Testing urine for protein and measuring blood pressure are both parts of the diagnosis process. Blood tests check how well the liver and kidneys are working, and an ultrasound checks how well the fetus is growing and how healthy the placenta is. Regular prenatal monitoring helps identify early signs and decide how to handle them.

Treatment
The severity and gestational age determine the treatment. Blood pressure control and close monitoring may be sufficient for mild cases. In very bad cases, people may need to go to the hospital and take medicine to stop seizures. The only real treatment is to give birth to the baby, especially if the condition gets worse. Careful planning makes sure that both the mother and the baby are safe.

Early detection and effective management improve the outlook. A lot of women get better after giving birth. But if preeclampsia isn't treated, it can cause serious problems, so regular prenatal care is very important for the health of both the mother and the baby.