During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes and you are quite likely to experience a variety of different symptoms like nausea, leg cramps, elevated protein levels in urine and high blood pressure. As per the experts from the best IVF treatment hospital in India, these symptoms usually become evident after the 20th week of your pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia, which often starts as gestational hypertension, is a condition marked by severely high blood pressure, which is often accompanied by fluid retention and proteinuria. Around 5 to 8 per cent of women are likely to experience the problem. However, it is important to note that high blood pressure may not necessarily be a sign of Pre-eclampsia and it could be an indication of some other health issue.

Are you at risk of developing pre-eclampsia?

The problem can affect any pregnant woman, but there are certain risk factors that may make you more vulnerable to it. Experts from the best IVF centre in Mumbai suggest that a woman is at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia if,

It is your first pregnancy

If you have experienced the problem in your previous pregnancy

If your mother, sister has experienced the same problem during their pregnancy

If you are carrying 2 or more babies in your womb.

If the age of the expecting mother is less than 20, or above 40

If you have a personal history of hypertension or any renal disease

If you are obese or have unmanaged body weight

If you lie in high-risk group, you need to be extra careful and vigilant.

What are the symptoms that you need to look out for?

It is pertinent to note that many women suffering from pre-eclampsia do not experience any symptoms initially, as the problem progresses at a considerably low pace. However, in some cases, the expecting mother may experience an abrupt onset. As such, it is extremely important to closely monitor your blood pressure on a daily basis. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, or more, when monitored at an interval of 4 hours or more, it is not normal.

Mild pre-eclampsia is characterized by elevated blood pressure, water retention and high protein levels in urine.

Severe pre-eclampsia is marked by chronic headaches, blurred vision, reduced urine output, nausea, vomiting, low tolerance to bright light, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness and easy bruising.

Is it possible to prevent pre-eclampsia?

At present, there is no known way to prevent Pre-eclampsia, however, research is going on in the field. Some studies have even shown that consumption of foods rich in amino acids, L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins can help to bring down the risks of pre-eclampsia in women who are highly susceptible to it, however, there is not enough proof to support the same, yet.

There are some ways in which you can reduce the risks of complications associated with pre-eclampsia. Keep a track of your blood pressure and monitor your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the option of early delivery. You may even be recommended to take aspirin. Do not start any medication or dietary change without consulting your doctor. Experts from the best hospital in India are always ready to help you.

Do not miss your prenatal visits as these will help in the early detection of the problem.

Take the recommended medication of time and avoid all kinds of stress as stress is known to increase blood pressure. Follow a healthy and active lifestyle and mend your eating habits. Avoid eating foods that can increase your blood pressure. You can also consult an expert dietitian for a detailed diet plan that you can follow throughout your pregnancy.