Preeclampsia is a serious disease related to high blood pressure that affects 5-8 % of all pregnant women.(1) The month of May observes Preeclampsia Awareness Month, a nationally recognized health observance that offers education and events that will increase awareness of this life threatening condition. The actual cause is still unknown but there are steps that you can take to educate yourself on the risk factors, signs and symptoms and the role of physical activity.(1)
What is preeclampsia?
It is now understood that preeclampsia is a multi-systemic disease that affects all organ systems and is far more than high blood pressure and renal dysfunction.(3) Preeclampsia can develop gradually, or have a sudden onset, flaring up in a matter of hours, even though the signs and symptoms may have gone undetected for weeks or months.
What are some of the signs and symptoms?
A telltale first sign is that your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 after your 20th week of pregnancy. Other symptoms include:
- Proteinuria, or the presence of proteins in the urine
- Accelerated weight gain (more then 5 lb in a week)
- Swelling of the hands, eyes and face
- Difficulty breathing, gasping, or panting
- Changes in vision like seeing spots or flashing lights; partial or total loss of eyesight
- Nausea or throwing up, especially suddenly, after mid pregnancy (not the morning sickness that many women experience in early pregnancy)
- Headaches that will not go away even after taking medication
Remember that it’s important to contact your doctor even if you just don’t “feel right” or if you sense that something is wrong.
How do I know if I’m at risk?
Risk factors include:
- History of high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Previous preeclampsia
- First pregnancies and multiples
- Genetics
The Role of Physical Activity
As with many conditions, lifestyle habits can be directly related to the risk and severity of the condition and unlike genetic risks, you have the control to change your lifestyle habits. Diet and exercise can reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Studies suggest that regular prenatal exercise may prevent or oppose the progression of the disease. (2)
Physical activity can:
- Help to bring your blood pressure down to safer levels
- Stimulate placental growth and vascularity (2)
- Reduce oxidative stress
In general it’s a good idea to be as healthy as you can be. If you are planning on becoming pregnant remember to include physical activity to your pre-pregnancy plan. Once you’re pregnant, take care of yourself and your baby through regular prenatal care and continue to make healthy choices.
Preeclampsia is treatable. If preeclampsia is detected early, you and your doctor can work together to prevent complications and make the best choices for you and your baby. Each pregnancy is different- you will need to get medical clearance to start or continue with an exercise program should you be diagnosed with preeclampsia.
While there are still much research to be found about preeclampsia, it is still important to start at a healthy weight before becoming pregnant and the right diet, along with exercise can help. Please contact us for more information. For more information about preeclampsia and how you can help raise awareness visit the Preeclampsia Foundation.
References:
- “The Disease of Theories: New Studies Shed Light on Exercise and Preeclampsia”. Accessed 7, April 2016. Breakingmuscle.com. http://breakingmuscle.com/womens-fitness/the-disease-of-theories-new-studies-shed-light-on-exercise-and-preeclampsia
- “ The Role of Regular Physical Activity in Preeclampsia Prevention”. Accessed 7, April 2016. Medscape.com. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/495537
- “May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month”. Accessed 8, April 2016. Preeclampsia Foundation. http://www.preeclampsia.org/pream
