Preeclampsia: How to Detect Symptoms as Early as Possible?

Seeing “flies” or flashes of light, abdominal pain, pain under the ribs... While the symptoms of preeclampsia vary from one pregnant woman to another, it's essential to consult a doctor at the first sign of any of these symptoms.

Perhaps you have heard of it as “gestational toxemia”?
In France, it affects 5% of pregnant women and occurs in 70 to 75% of cases during the first pregnancy. It is the second leading cause of death during pregnancy, and the origin of this condition remains unknown despite extensive research.

It Typically Develops in the Second Trimester
Preeclampsia is related to poor development of the placenta, particularly its vascularization. While it is often undetected in the first trimester, it turns out that from the early weeks of pregnancy, the placenta may not develop correctly. It releases toxic substances into the mother's body, with symptoms typically appearing around the 20th week.

Special Monitoring Based on Medical History
Some women are at greater risk than others. If you fall into any of the following categories, you will receive more intensive monitoring from the beginning of your pregnancy:

• Pregnant before or after age 40,
• Obesity with a BMI over 30,
• Personal history of preeclampsia,
• Presence of chronic hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease (like multiple sclerosis),
• Polycystic ovary syndrome,
• Arterial and/or venous thrombosis.

Symptoms?
They depend on the severity of the condition:

• Edema (or water retention): Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands, or face, rapid weight gain,
• Unusual or persistent headaches,
• Visual disturbances: The sensation of seeing “floaters” or flashes of light,
• Pain: Often in the upper abdomen or under the right ribs,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• General malaise.

“ I listened to my body, didn’t wait, and rushed to the emergency room.”

In most cases, mothers give birth to a healthy baby if the condition is managed in time. Associated with high blood pressure and elevated protein levels in urine (monitored at every monthly appointment and even more if risk is evident), preeclampsia requires maximum rest for the mother. This is to avoid complications such as growth retardation in the baby, premature birth, or, in some (though fortunately very few) cases, the death of the mother or child.

Only Delivery Can Stop the Disease
The only treatment for this condition is delivery. In some cases, to avoid serious complications, it may be necessary to induce labor or schedule a cesarean section to ensure the health of the mother and baby. Pregnant women may also be given medications suitable for their condition to lower blood pressure.

If you wish to connect with associations:

https://grossesse-sante.org/