Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition in which hypertension arises in pregnancy and large amounts of protein are seen in the urine at the same time. Pre eclampsia refers to a set of symptoms rather than a single causative factor. Thus it is understood that there are many causes for this particular syndrome. Pre eclampsia might occur from 20 weeks gestation and its progress varies with different patients. The only known cures for Pre-eclampsia are cesarean section delivery and induction of labour. It might also take place up to six week after delivery. This is a harmful pregnancy complication and stands chances of harming both the mother and the child.
How pre-eclampsia is caused is not known but it is assumed that a placenta that is shallowly implanted and becomes hypoxic leading to an immune reaction causes pre-eclampsia. This immune reaction is characterized by secretion of unregulated inflammatory mediators from the placenta when they act on the vascular endothelium. In many cases it is thought that the mother does not have the receptors that are needed for the proteins that the placenta is using to regulate the mother’s immune system’s response to it. After many studies have tried to explain why pre-eclampsia occurs, the following have been linked with the problem – endothelial cell injury, compromised placental perfusion, immune rejection of the placenta, altered vascular reactivity, imbalance between prostacyclin and thromboxane, decreased glomerular filtration rate with retention of salt and water, decreased intravascular volume, increased central nervous system irritability, disseminated intravascular coagulation, uterine muscle stretch, dietary factors, including vitamin deficiency, genetic factors or air pollution.
The understanding of pre-eclampsia is a two stage process. The first stage is subject to high changes. In this stage the placenta is predisposed, soluble factors are released etc. Pre-eclampsia is best monitored by a medical expert so if you feel any uneasiness, visit one immediately because you do not wish to neglect the state till it is too late and probably incurable.
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