HIM FPX 4610 Assessment 6 Health Topic Presentation

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Capella University

HIM FPX 4610 Medical Terminology

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Date

Understanding Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Preeclampsia is a potentially serious pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is primarily associated with new-onset high blood pressure. It can also involve problems affecting organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, or blood-clotting system. Some people have noticeable warning signs, while others may have few or no symptoms and are diagnosed through routine prenatal monitoring. Early recognition, appropriate testing, and timely treatment can help reduce serious complications for both the pregnant individual and baby.

A Personal Experience With Preeclampsia

Good morning. I am ___, and I appreciate everyone being here today. Today, I will discuss an important maternal health topic: preeclampsia. I will cover what causes preeclampsia, its warning signs and risk factors, how it is diagnosed, available treatments, potential complications, and ways healthcare professionals can support pregnant individuals.

My interest in this topic is also personal. My experience with preeclampsia and premature birth played an important role in my decision to become a nurse and strengthened my commitment to educating others about pregnancy-related complications.

My Pregnancy Experience

When I learned that I was pregnant with my first child, I was extremely excited. At the same time, I was anxious because I had previously experienced multiple miscarriages. Because of my pregnancy history, I was considered high risk and received care through a high-risk pregnancy clinic.

An early ultrasound initially provided reassurance. Later, however, I experienced heavy bleeding that raised concerns about another possible miscarriage. Follow-up ultrasounds showed that the pregnancy was continuing normally, although the cause of the bleeding was never clearly established. After approximately two months, the bleeding stopped, but another concern emerged: my blood pressure began to increase.

As my pregnancy progressed, I attended weekly appointments and underwent additional testing. Two 24-hour urine collections did not demonstrate proteinuria. However, I developed several concerning symptoms, including difficulty breathing when lying flat, swelling of my face and lips, extreme fatigue, and disturbing dreams. I reported these symptoms to my physician and was reassured that some physical changes can occur during pregnancy.

HIM FPX 4610 Assessment 6 Health Topic Presentation

At 28 weeks, a routine appointment became particularly concerning. While monitoring my baby’s heartbeat, my physician recognized that something was not right. An ultrasound was scheduled for the following week, with possible hospitalization if my blood pressure remained elevated.

I never reached that appointment.

Two days later, I became seriously ill and was taken to the emergency department. I was transferred to labor and delivery and ultimately required an emergency cesarean delivery. My daughter was born prematurely at 29 weeks and 4 days.

Her premature birth was followed by significant health challenges, including traumatic brain injury, global developmental delay, autism, cortical visual impairment, and nonverbal communication.

Twelve years later, this experience remains an important part of my nursing journey. My daughter continues to demonstrate remarkable potential, and my experience has strengthened my commitment to helping others recognize the warning signs of preeclampsia and understand the importance of timely medical care.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not completely understood. However, abnormal development and function of the placenta and the blood vessels that supply it are believed to play an important role.

During a healthy pregnancy, the blood vessels supplying the placenta undergo changes that allow sufficient blood flow to support fetal growth. In preeclampsia, these changes may not occur normally. Abnormal placental development can contribute to problems with maternal blood vessels and affect multiple organ systems.

Preeclampsia is therefore more than simply high blood pressure during pregnancy. In severe cases, it can affect the kidneys, liver, brain, blood-clotting system, lungs, and placenta.

Because the condition can progress quickly, regular prenatal care and prompt evaluation of concerning symptoms are essential.

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia does not always cause obvious symptoms. Some pregnant individuals may feel well even when their blood pressure or laboratory results indicate a developing problem. This is one reason routine prenatal appointments are so important.

Possible signs and symptoms include:

• High blood pressure

• Protein in the urine

• Severe or persistent headache

• Blurred vision, seeing spots, or other visual changes

• Shortness of breath

• Pain in the upper abdomen, particularly beneath the ribs

• Sudden or significant swelling of the face or hands

• Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy

• Abnormal kidney function

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Low platelet levels

Not every symptom means that someone has preeclampsia. However, new, severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional promptly.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Certain health conditions and pregnancy-related factors can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia. Important risk factors include a previous history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, obesity, and multiple pregnancy.

Other factors associated with increased risk include certain maternal age groups, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, and a family history of preeclampsia.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop preeclampsia. However, identifying risk factors allows healthcare professionals to determine whether additional monitoring or preventive measures may be appropriate.

A previous history of preeclampsia is particularly important because it can increase the likelihood of developing the condition during a subsequent pregnancy.

Complications of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can become dangerous when it progresses or is not appropriately managed. Severe disease may affect multiple maternal organs and can create serious risks for the developing fetus.

Potential maternal complications include:

• Seizures, known as eclampsia

• Stroke

• Liver or kidney injury

• Pulmonary edema

• Blood-clotting abnormalities

• Placental complications

• HELLP syndrome

• Premature delivery

• Maternal death in severe cases

What Is HELLP Syndrome?

HELLP syndrome is a serious pregnancy complication associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet levels. The condition can occur with preeclampsia and requires urgent medical assessment.

HELLP syndrome may cause symptoms such as upper abdominal or right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, and general illness. Because symptoms can overlap with other pregnancy conditions, laboratory testing and clinical evaluation are important.

How Preeclampsia Can Affect the Baby

Preeclampsia can affect fetal health because abnormal placental function and reduced placental blood flow may limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby.

Potential fetal and newborn complications include fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, placental complications, and preterm birth.

Premature birth can create additional challenges involving respiratory function, neurological development, vision, feeding, and long-term development. The risks associated with prematurity generally increase as gestational age decreases.

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals use blood pressure measurements, symptoms, laboratory testing, and fetal assessments when evaluating possible preeclampsia.

New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy is an important diagnostic finding. However, proteinuria is not required in every case. Evidence of maternal organ dysfunction can also support the diagnosis.

Depending on the clinical situation, healthcare professionals may evaluate:

• Blood pressure

• Urine protein

• Platelet count

• Kidney function

• Liver function

• Maternal symptoms

• Fetal growth

• Amniotic fluid

• Fetal heart rate and well-being

Because preeclampsia can change over time, repeated assessments may be necessary.

Why Protein in the Urine Is Not the Only Concern

Proteinuria has traditionally been associated with preeclampsia, but the absence of protein in the urine does not necessarily rule out the condition. A pregnant individual can develop preeclampsia with other evidence of significant organ involvement.

For this reason, healthcare professionals consider the complete clinical picture rather than relying on a single test result.

Tests Used to Monitor Preeclampsia

The specific tests used depend on blood pressure levels, symptoms, gestational age, laboratory findings, and overall maternal and fetal health.

Urine testing may be performed to evaluate protein loss. Blood tests can assess platelet counts, kidney function, and liver enzymes. Fetal monitoring may include ultrasound examinations, non-stress testing, or biophysical profiles.

These assessments help healthcare professionals determine the severity of the condition and whether continued pregnancy with close monitoring is appropriate or whether delivery should be considered.

How Is Preeclampsia Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of preeclampsia, gestational age, maternal health, and fetal well-being.

Delivery is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia because the placenta is central to the condition. However, immediate delivery is not always necessary in every case. When clinically appropriate, healthcare professionals may use close monitoring and treatment to safely prolong the pregnancy and allow additional fetal development.

Treatment may include blood-pressure medications to reduce the risk of severe hypertension. Magnesium sulfate may be administered to reduce the risk of seizures in patients with severe preeclampsia or other indications. Corticosteroids may be recommended when early delivery is anticipated to support fetal lung maturation.

Severe preeclampsia requires urgent medical evaluation. Decisions about delivery are individualized according to maternal and fetal circumstances.

Can Preeclampsia Be Prevented?

Preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, but preventive strategies may reduce the risk for people who meet specific high-risk criteria.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks of pregnancy for individuals at high risk of preeclampsia, provided there are no contraindications and the treatment is recommended by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Low-dose aspirin should not be started during pregnancy without discussing personal risk factors, medical history, and appropriate dosing with a healthcare professional.

Regular prenatal care is also essential for early detection. Routine blood pressure measurements, laboratory testing when indicated, and fetal assessments can help identify developing complications before they become more severe.

What Is the Prognosis for Preeclampsia?

The outlook for someone with preeclampsia varies depending on when the condition develops, how severe it becomes, how quickly it is recognized, and whether maternal or fetal complications occur.

Early recognition and appropriate treatment can substantially reduce the risk of serious complications. However, severe or early-onset preeclampsia may require hospitalization and premature delivery.

Monitoring should also continue after delivery. Preeclampsia can persist or develop during the postpartum period, so patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding blood pressure monitoring, medications, follow-up appointments, and warning signs.

Maternal Health Disparities

Maternal health outcomes are not the same across all populations. Research has identified racial and ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States, including disproportionately poor outcomes among Black women.

These disparities emphasize the importance of equitable access to high-quality prenatal, obstetric, emergency, and postpartum care. Healthcare professionals also have an important role in listening to patients, responding to concerns, and supporting timely evaluation of concerning symptoms.

When Should a Pregnant Individual Seek Medical Attention?

Pregnant individuals should contact a healthcare professional promptly if they develop symptoms that could indicate preeclampsia.

Particularly concerning symptoms include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, severe upper abdominal pain, or other sudden and unusual changes in health.

Severe symptoms may require emergency evaluation. A person should not necessarily wait for the next scheduled prenatal appointment when symptoms are sudden, severe, or worsening.

Support and Resources for Preeclampsia

Education can help pregnant individuals and families understand preeclampsia and recognize potentially serious symptoms. Reliable organizations provide information about pregnancy-related hypertension, risk factors, treatment, complications, premature birth, and postpartum health.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides evidence-based information about high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy. The Preeclampsia Foundation also provides educational and support resources for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. The March of Dimes offers additional information about pregnancy complications and premature birth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preeclampsia

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder that generally develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It involves new-onset high blood pressure and may include proteinuria or other signs of maternal organ dysfunction.

What are the first warning signs of preeclampsia?

Possible warning signs include high blood pressure, severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and upper abdominal pain. Some individuals may have no noticeable symptoms, making routine prenatal monitoring important.

Can you have preeclampsia without protein in your urine?

Yes. Proteinuria is not required in every case. Preeclampsia can be diagnosed when new-onset hypertension occurs with other evidence of significant maternal organ dysfunction.

When does preeclampsia usually occur?

Preeclampsia most commonly develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can also occur after delivery, which is why postpartum monitoring is important.

What is the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia?

Preeclampsia involves pregnancy-related high blood pressure with associated findings such as proteinuria or organ dysfunction. Eclampsia occurs when a person with a hypertensive pregnancy disorder develops seizures that are not explained by another condition.

Can preeclampsia cause premature birth?

Yes. Severe preeclampsia may make early delivery necessary to protect the health of the pregnant individual or baby. Preeclampsia is therefore an important contributor to medically indicated preterm birth.

Does preeclampsia go away after delivery?

Delivery removes the placenta, which is central to the underlying disease process, but preeclampsia does not always resolve immediately. Symptoms and complications can continue or develop after delivery, so postpartum monitoring remains important.

Can preeclampsia happen in a second pregnancy?

Yes. A previous history of preeclampsia increases the risk of developing it during a later pregnancy. However, having had preeclampsia before does not mean that it will definitely occur again.

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

Not every case can be prevented. For individuals at increased risk, healthcare professionals may recommend preventive measures such as low-dose aspirin when appropriate. Regular prenatal care is also important for early identification and management.

Is preeclampsia dangerous?

Severe preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both the pregnant individual and baby. Potential complications include seizures, stroke, organ injury, HELLP syndrome, placental complications, fetal growth restriction, and premature birth.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a potentially serious pregnancy complication that requires careful monitoring and timely medical management. Although high blood pressure is a central feature, the condition can affect multiple organ systems and may occur with or without obvious symptoms.

Regular prenatal appointments provide an important opportunity to monitor blood pressure, assess symptoms, perform appropriate laboratory testing, and evaluate fetal well-being. Pregnant individuals should also feel comfortable reporting new or worsening symptoms instead of assuming that significant changes are simply a normal part of pregnancy.

My personal experience with preeclampsia and premature birth ultimately influenced my decision to become a nurse. Sharing personal experiences alongside evidence-based information can help increase awareness of pregnancy-related complications and reinforce an important message: recognizing warning signs and seeking appropriate medical care can be critical to protecting maternal and fetal health.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(6), e237–e260. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/06/gestational-hypertension-and-preeclampsia

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

Duckitt, K., & Harrington, D. (2005). Risk factors for pre-eclampsia at antenatal booking: Systematic review of controlled studies. BMJ, 330(7491), 565. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38380.674340.E0

Henderson, J. T., Thompson, J. H., Burda, B. U., Cantor, A., Beil, T., & Whitlock, E. P. (2017). Screening for preeclampsia: A systematic evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Evidence Synthesis No. 148). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447461/

Leeman, L., Dresang, L. T., & Fontaine, P. (2016). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. American Family Physician, 93(2), 121–127. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0115/p121.html

HIM FPX 4610 Assessment 6 Health Topic Presentation

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia and related morbidity and mortality: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 326(12), 1186–1191. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.14781

Walani, S. R. (2020). Global burden of preterm birth. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 150(1), 31–33. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13195

van Lieshout, L. C. E. W., Koek, G. H., Spaanderman, M. A., & van Runnard Heimel, P. J. (2019). Placenta-derived factors involved in the pathogenesis of the liver in the syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP): A review. Pregnancy Hypertension, 16, 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preghy.2019.03.002