What is Pregnancy Poisoning (Preeclampsia)?

Pregnancy poisoning is known by the medical term preeclampsia. It is a complication that usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks). Preeclampsia is a serious disease that affects many organs, characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension). In this article, we have compiled what you need to know about pregnancy poisoning. You can find the details on the subject in the continuation of our article.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition whose exact cause is unknown. However, there are some risk factors. We can list the factors that increase the risk of preeclampsia as follows;

• Having had preeclampsia before,

• First pregnancy,

• Carrying more than one fetus (multiple pregnancies),

• Having a family history of preeclampsia,

• Obesity,

• High blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

Having one or more of these risk factors increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. However, preeclampsia can develop in any pregnancy. Because; It is important to do regular prenatal follow-ups and follow the doctor’s recommendations during pregnancy. The risks can be reduced when preeclampsia is diagnosed early and appropriate treatment is provided.

When Does Preeclampsia Occur?

Although pregnancy poisoning, called preeclampsia, can occur at any time of pregnancy, it is more common in the second half of pregnancy, that is, after the 20th week and close to delivery. Pregnancy poisoning occurs in about 5% to 8% of pregnant women.

What Problems Cause Pregnancy Poisoning (Preeclampsia)?

Preeclampsia can have potentially serious consequences that can negatively affect mother and baby. Complications such as high blood pressure, deterioration in kidney functions, problems in liver functions, blood coagulation disorders, growth retardation in the baby and inadequate functioning of the placenta may develop.

These can also include life-threatening conditions for the mother, such as kidney failure, liver damage, seizures, and stroke. For the baby, problems such as low birth weight, premature birth, placental dysfunction, mental retardation and fetal death risk may occur.

How is Pregnancy Poisoning (Preeclampsia) Detected?

Preeclampsia is usually detected during regular prenatal follow-up. It can be diagnosed with high blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in the urine), edema, and some blood tests.

Treatment usually includes a calm lifestyle, blood pressure control, and close monitoring of the baby’s well-being. If preeclampsia is severe, termination of pregnancy (delivery) may be necessary.

What Should Be Considered to Reduce Pregnancy Intoxication (Preeclampsia)?

Some precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy poisoning. We can list these measures as follows:

• Regular prenatal follow-ups: It is important to go to doctor’s controls regularly during pregnancy. Prenatal follow-ups are procedures to monitor blood pressure, protein level in the urine and general health status. In this way, the symptoms of preeclampsia can be detected early and possible adverse events can be prevented by taking necessary precautions.

• Use of aspirin in high-risk patients: The only treatment method proven to reduce the frequency of preeclampsia in high-risk patients is the use of aspirin.

• Taking care of a healthy diet: It is known that a balanced and nutritious diet helps to reduce the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. A diet that includes adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats can be followed. It is also important to avoid high-salt foods and processed foods. It is also necessary to maintain an ideal weight to avoid being underweight or overweight.

• Stress management: Stress can increase the risk of preeclampsia. Strategies such as relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga or natural methods can be used to manage stress during pregnancy. Also, getting support if needed can be helpful in coping with stress.

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol use can increase the risk of preeclampsia. It is necessary to stay away from these substances during pregnancy in many ways.

• Being careful in the use of drugs: It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations about the use of drugs during pregnancy.

Of course, the suggestions that every expectant mother needs may vary. For this reason, it is important to carry out the necessary screenings from the very beginning of the pregnancy process and to go to the doctor’s controls on a regular basis.