Pre-eclampsia newsletter article

[bubhub]

We have an article on pre-eclampsia in this month's newsletter...here (http://www.bubhub.com.au/newslettermay0701.shtml)

[Elfin]

That is a great article Hilary. I just wish I had of read something like that in my first pregnancy as I had no idea what the symptoms of PE were or how potentially serious it can be. Good that this type of information is getting out there:)

[bubhub]

I'll make this a sticky. This is a quote from our
Pregnancy Complications (http://www.bubhub.com.au/infopregnancycomplications.shtml) page:

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition that can affect both the mother and foetus. Pre eclampsia can develop at any time in the second half of the pregnancy, although it is more usual for it to occur in the last few weeks. Symptoms include the following, which are usually detected during routine tests carried out at your ante-natal visits:


rising blood pressure
protein in the urine
swelling of the hands, feet and face The unborn baby may grow more slowly than normal or suffer potentially dangerous oxygen deficiency.


Women with pre eclampsia may still feel perfectly well, however, pre-eclampsia can develop very quickly and if you experience any of these symptoms you should notify your healthcare provider immediately. Other symptoms may include upper abdominal pain and vomiting, severe headache and visual disturbances. These symptoms can indicate the disease has reached an advanced stage (also see HELLP (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/../../infopregnancycomplications.shtml#hellp)).


Occurence of pre-eclampsia may result in your baby having to be born before the planned due date. The condition usually disappears once the baby is born, although the new mum's blood pressure may take a little longer to return to normal and you should expect to be monitored by your healthcare provider.



Australian Action on Pre-eclampsia website (http://www.aapec.org.au/)
ph: (03) 9330 0441
Voluntary organisation providing support and information for women suffering from Pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome.


If you suffered from PE, add your symptoms to this thread to help others spot the signs early on.

[Tara23]

just wanted to say what a great artical. Very easy to read and understand.

[JimJamsMum]

Hi, what a great article. I just wanted to add one thing: sometimes PE doesn't have any symptoms. Mine was only picked up through routine blood pressure testing and a subsequent urine test. My kidney function was terrible but I had no symptoms. I get very worried when pregnant women decide not to have routine testing because of the potentially devastating consequences.

[naiwen]

Just wanted to add that if you have HELLP a lowered platelet count is a big indicator, this is something your GP should be able to have checked.