Rapid Weight Gain While Pregnant: What You Should Know About Preeclampsia

Although it is healthy to gain weight during the duration of pregnancy, rapid weight gain should receive prompt attention from a physician. It is possible that you are suffering from a serious health condition that is known as preeclampsia. In this article, learn what you should know about the dangers of preeclampsia and how it is treated.

What Does it Mean to Have Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia happens when you suddenly start swelling up while pregnant. The swelling is commonly noticed in the hands, feet and in your face as result of your body having excessive fluid in it. Your blood pressure can get excessively high with preeclampsia as well, which can put you at risk for a stroke or heart attack. Your physician will test your urine to find out if there is a lot of protein in it, as it is a sign of preeclampsia. Some of the other symptoms of the condition include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Upset stomach
• Constant headaches
• Pain in the abdomen
• Smaller amounts of urine

You don't want to go through your pregnancy with preeclampsia because it can cause your baby to be born underweight. The cause is due to the placenta not being able to get a sufficient amount of blood. Preeclampsia can also lead to you suffering from placental abruption, which is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before you go into labor. The condition can lead to death if you lose too much blood. Placental abruption can also lead to a stillbirth.

How Can Preeclampsia Get Treated?

Treating preeclampsia is usually based on the severity of the symptoms and how far along you are in the pregnancy. It is in the baby's best interest to get as close to your due date as possible before delivery. Labor can be induced if you are close to your due date. The physician may also opt to deliver the baby via C-section.

If you don't have severe preeclampsia, the physician may place you on bed rest until the baby is safely delivered. He or she may also prescribe medication to keep your blood pressure at a safe level. Your urine output will be closely monitored as well. Keep in mind that you may have to stay in the hospital during the time that you are on bed rest, but it will be at the discretion of the physician. Make an appointment at a place like The Woman's Center OB-GYN Associates so you can find out if you have preeclampsia and get treated!

Share