Pregnancy is the most awaited thing by newly married couples. Pregnancy will be an unforgettable moment. However, not all pregnancies will go smoothly. One of the problems that can arise is preeclampsia.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is one of the complications of pregnancy which is characterized by an increase in blood pressure and the detection of high protein in the urine. This condition usually begins to appear at 20 weeks of gestation or more. If left untreated, the condition of preeclampsia can endanger the health of the mother and fetus. The cause is not known for certain. However, it is suspected that it is caused by abnormalities in the development and function of the placenta.

Factors that can trigger placental problems are:

• Presence of hypertension, DM, kidney, autoimmune and blood disorders
• First pregnancy
• Pregnant at the age of less than 20 years or more than 40 years
• Pregnant with twins
• Obesity
• There is a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• There is a family history of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia can present with or without symptoms. Pregnant women begin to realize that there is pre-eclampsia, usually during routine check-ups with the obstetrician and find hypertension.

However, the symptoms that may appear are:

• Headache
• Impaired vision, blurred vision
• Upper right abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the feet, hands and face
• Out of breath
• Decreased frequency of urination and decreased urine volume
• Feels weak
• Lose weight drastically.

Author : dr. A. A. Ayu Trisna Purirani W. S (Medical Consultant Doctor PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Jl. Cik Di Tiro No. 17 Yogyakarta)