Prevent Preeclampsia: Signs & Symptoms to Monitor Carefully
For parents awaiting the birth of a child, it is only natural for them to be concerned about the things that could potentially go wrong or cause complications. Many pregnant moms take it upon themselves to eat right, get exercise and rest, and to eliminate things that could stand in the way of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. At the same time, they depend on their doctors to monitor their overall health and alert them to dangerous symptoms that could indicate a bigger problem, and medical providers who fail to do so could end up being liable for any damages that occur through a medical malpractice claim. May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and it focuses on a pregnancy-related problem that is silent, deadly, and preventable. If you or someone you care about is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant in the future, it is vitally important to understand what preeclampsia is, as well as to be aware of both the risk factors that could indicate an increased risk of developing this condition.
Preeclampsia Signs and Symptoms
Preeclampsia is a progressive condition that can affect pregnant women in the second or third trimester and, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation, it affects roughly 300,000 expectant mothers each year. High blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine are characteristic of preeclampsia and if left untreated, it can result in low birth weight, increased risk of cesarean delivery, as well as increased risks for liver, kidney, and blood clotting issues that could seriously impact the health of the mother. Preeclampsia complications are among the top five causes of maternal death throughout the world, and roughly 75,000 women and 500,000 infants die each year as a result of the disorder. Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
Preeclampsia is known as the silent killer, as symptoms may be hard to detect or go unnoticed without the proper testing, therefore it is important for your doctor to provide careful monitoring.
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Risk Factors for Developing Preeclampsia
The National Institutes of Health states that women with women with autoimmune disorders and blood vessel problems may be at increased risk for developing preeclampsia, and genetic factors may make a pregnant women more likely to develop the disorder. Other known risk factors include the following:
- First time pregnancy
- Being pregnant with twins or multiples
- History of weight issues and being overweight
- Medical history of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes
In addition to the above, studies have determined that pregnant women over the age of 35 are also at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia, and should be carefully monitored by the physician.
Reach Out to Us for Assistance
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as the result of preeclampsia and other pregnancy related complications, contact our experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorney today. At Anastopoulo Law Firm we can assist you in holding negligent medical providers accountable for the damages caused by their lack of care. Preeclampsia can have long term consequences for you and your child.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
