What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy which normally includes high blood pressure and possible damage to the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs. It often begins about 20 weeks after the start of the pregnancy in women who have high blood pressure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, preeclampsia can be fatal or cause severe health issues for the mother and potential birth trauma for her child. If treated properly and in a timely manner, the mother and child should return to normal health. If not properly diagnosed or properly treated, the doctors and health providers treating the mother may be liable for medical malpractice. Examples of proper treatment may include inducing labor or performing a Caesarian to avoid dangerous vaginal deliveries.

Preeclampsia symptoms

The Mayo clinic states that some mothers may develop preeclampsia without any symptoms. Generally, the mother’s blood pressure should be monitored because high blood pressure is an early sign. Blood pressure over 140/90 is a concern.

Other possibly preeclampsia symptoms include the following:

• Headaches
• Proteinuria (excess urine protein) or kidney problems
• Blurred, sensitive, or loss of vision
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain – often in the mother’s right ribs
• Low output of urine
• Low platelet blood levels
• Liver impairment
• Breathing difficulties

Mothers may also gain weight if they have preeclampsia.

The causes of preeclampsia

Medical experts think that preeclampsia starts in the mother’s placenta, “the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy.” As new blood vessels develop, some may not develop properly. Some of the reasons for this improper development include the following:

• Poor blood flow to the uterus
• Blood vessel damage
• Immune system problems
• Genetics

Preeclampsia risk factors

Pregnancy physicians should be on the lookout for the following factors that may contribute to a higher likelihood the mother may develop preeclampsia, and the mother should be treated accordingly:

• A prior history of preeclampsia
• Chronic hypertension
• This is the mother’s first pregnancy
• Age – higher for very young expectant mothers and women over 35
• A different father
• Race – black women are at higher risk
• Obesity
• Carrying more than one infant
• The length of time between pregnancies is less the two years or greater than ten years
• In vitro fertilization
• Certain medical conditions before pregnancy such as high blood pressure, type 1 or 2 diabetes, migraines, lupus, blood clot difficulties, and kidney disease

Preeclampsia health dangers

Some of the health problems that may occur if a mother develops preeclampsia include the following:

• Fetal growth restriction. The baby may not get enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients which can cause him/her to have a low birth weight or a preterm birth.
• Placental abruption. This condition causes the placenta to “separate from the inner wall of your uterus before delivery,” which can be life-threatening for both mother and child.
• HELLP syndrome. “HELLP — which stands for hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count — syndrome” is an advanced form or preeclampsia which can endanger both the mother’s life and the baby’s life.
• Eclampsia. This is basically preeclampsia combined with seizures – which requires an immediate delivery.

Physicians need to constantly monitor the mother before delivery for preeclampsia, treat preeclampsia, and be ready for any difficulties that may occur during delivery.

At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we work aggressively to hold physicians and health providers liable when they fail to recognize or fail to treat preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a well-known pregnancy and delivery complication that competent doctors should be able the handle. If preeclampsia, any pregnancy condition, or any delivery complication affects the health of a mother or newborn, call us at 501-213-1512 or fill out our contact form for a review of your right to file a birth injury lawsuit.