Understanding Preeclampsia: Key Insights for a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy

Can understanding preeclampsia save lives? Absolutely. Join me, Carey, on Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie, as we tackle the critical topic of preeclampsia in pregnancy. This episode, "Understanding Preeclampsia: Risks, Symptoms, and Management," promises to shed light on the complexities of this condition. You’ll gain insights into the risk factors like first pregnancies, chronic hypertension, and being over the age of 35, as well as the subtle symptoms that can easily be confused with normal pregnancy signs. 

We emphasize the importance of early detection and proactive management to prevent complications for both mother and baby. Our discussion includes key information on how preeclampsia is diagnosed and treated, from medical interventions to lifestyle adjustments. We also delve into the often overlooked but critical topic of postpartum preeclampsia and its long-term health implications. This episode is your guide to staying informed and prepared, ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy journey. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights!

Thank you for listening to Parenting Genie Podcast. For more parenting information, visit our website https://parentinggenie.com.au. or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter @parentinggenie.
We value your feedback, so please feel free to reach out to us via email at [e-mail].

Episode Transcript

Carey (00:00):
Hi everyone.
Today's podcast is titledUnderstanding Preeclampsia Risks
, symptoms and Management.
Welcome to Parenting Powerhouseby Parenting Genie, where we
equip you with the knowledge andresources to navigate your
parenting journey confidently.
I'm your host, Carey, and todaywe're discussing an important

(00:21):
and sometimes frightening topicpreeclampsia.
An important and sometimesfrightening topic preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a condition thatcan occur during pregnancy,
affecting both the mother andthe baby.
It's crucial to understand therisks, recognise the symptoms
and know how to manage thiscondition if it arises.
In this episode, we'll discusspreeclampsia, who is at risk and

(00:43):
how it's treated.
We want you to stay informed.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a severepregnancy complication
characterized by high bloodpressure and signs of damage to
the other organs, often thekidneys.
It usually develops after 20weeks of pregnancy in women

(01:08):
whose blood pressure haspreviously been normal.
This condition can have severeconsequences if left untreated,
including risks to both themother and the baby.
However, with proper care andmonitoring, many women with
preeclampsia go on to havehealthy pregnancies and births.
Preeclampsia go on to havehealthy pregnancies and births.
Who is at risk?
Certain factors can increasethe risk of developing

(01:29):
preeclampsia, including firstpregnancies, a history of
preeclampsia in previouspregnancies, chronic
hypertension or high bloodpressure, diabetes or kidney
disease.
Being over the age of 35 andcarrying multiples twins or
triplets.
Understanding these riskfactors can help you and your

(01:56):
healthcare provider be morevigilant in monitoring your
health during pregnancy.
Common symptoms Preeclampsia canpresent with a variety of
symptoms, some of which may besubtle or mistaken for a normal
pregnancy.
Key symptoms to which to lookout for High blood pressure.
A reading of 140 over 90 orhigher on two occasions at least

(02:19):
four hours apart.
Severe headaches that don't goaway with usual headache
remedies.
Changes in vision, such asblurriness, seeing spots or
sensitivity to light.
Upper abdominal pain, usuallyunder the ribs on the right side
.
Nausea or vomiting,particularly later in pregnancy.

(02:40):
Sudden weight gain or swellingin the face, hands and feet.
It's essential to contact yourhealth care provider immediately
if you experience any of thesesymptoms, as early detection and
management are vital topreventing complications.
Violent signs Some women withpreeclampsia may not notice any

(03:04):
symptoms at all, which is whyregular prenatal check-ups are
essential.
Your healthcare provider willmonitor your blood pressure and
urine for protein, a sign ofkidney involvement, during your
appointments Managingpreeclampsia.
If you're diagnosed withpreeclampsia, your healthcare

(03:24):
provider will closely monitoryour condition and may recommend
more frequent prenatal visits,blood tests and ultrasounds to
track your baby's growth.
Depending on the severity ofyour condition and how far along
you are in your pregnancy,treatment options may include
bed rest or reduced activity tohelp lower your blood pressure.

(03:47):
Medication to control bloodpressure and prevent seizures.
Hospitalisation for closermonitoring, especially if
preeclampsia is severe orworsens.
Early delivery In some cases,especially if preeclampsia is
severe or worsening, deliveringthe baby may be the best option

(04:07):
for both mother and baby.
This could involve inducing thelabour or performing a
caesarean section.
While medical care is crucial,there are also steps you can
take at home to help managepreeclampsia, such as monitoring
your blood pressure at home, ifadvised by your health care
provider.

(04:27):
Eating a balanced diet low insalt and rich in fruit and
vegetables and whole grains,staying hydrated and avoiding
excess caffeine and alcohol,getting plenty of rest and
avoiding stressful situationswhenever possible.
Postpartum preeclampsia it'simportant to note the

(04:48):
preeclampsia can occur evenafter delivery, known as
postpartum preeclampsia.
This typically develops within48 hours after delivery, but can
sometimes occur up to six weekspostpartum.
Symptoms are similar to thoseduring pregnancy and it's
crucial to seek medicalattention immediately if they

(05:10):
appear Some long-term healthimplications Women who have had
preeclampsia are at a higherrisk for high blood pressure and
cardiovascular disease later inlife.
It's essential to continuemonitoring your health and
adopting heart-healthy lifestylehabits after pregnancy.
Regular check-ups with yourhealthcare provider can help

(05:34):
manage long-term risks andensure your continued well-being
.
Well, to conclude for today.
Preeclampsia is a seriouscondition, but with early
detection and proper management,many women have healthy
pregnancies and births.
Understanding the risks,recognising the symptoms and
working closely with yourhealthcare provider is vital to

(05:57):
managing this conditioneffectively.
Remember, you and your baby'shealth are the top priorities,
so never hesitate to reach outto your healthcare provider if
you have any concerns.
If you found today's episodehelpful, please subscribe to
Parenting Powerhouse byParenting Genie and leave us a

(06:17):
review.
Your feedback helps us continueto provide valuable content for
parents and parents to be.
For more resources andinformation on managing
preeclampsia and otherpregnancy-related conditions,
visit wwwparentinggeniecomau.
Join me next time as we exploreanother topic in your parenting

(06:42):
journey.
Until then, take care ofyourself and your little one.
Happy parenting.