Preeclampsia can harm the mother's kidneys, brain, heart, liver and eyes. It can also lead to a more serious condition called eclampsia. This can cause a woman to have seizures and even lead to coma or death.
Preeclampsia can also affect labor and delivery and lead to health problems in the newborn baby.
Possible issues with labor and delivery
Depending on how severe your preeclampsia is, you may need to stay in the hospital so you and your baby can be monitored until delivery. Or your doctor may prescribe bed rest until the baby is born while monitoring your blood pressure at home.Preeclampsia can impact the baby's birth, too. Sometimes labor may need to be induced or delivery may have to be done by cesarean (C-section). Though unlikely, problems can stem from having either of these procedures.
Risks of labor induction to the baby:
- Change in the unborn baby's heart rate.
- Infection in mom or baby.
- Problems with the umbilical cord.
- Overstimulation of the uterus (when the uterus contracts too much). This can cause fetal distress.
- Tearing or rupture of the uterus.
- Effects from anesthesia. Women are given anesthesia during a C-section so they cannot feel pain. Anesthesia causes some babies to become inactive and lethargic.
- Breathing problems. Babies born by C-section tend to have more breathing problems than babies who are born vaginally, even if they are delivered at full term.
Potential problems for baby after birth
Many women with preeclampsia give birth to healthy babies. But preeclampsia is a leading cause of possible complications to the baby, such as:- Low birth weight. Preeclampsia can cause less blood to flow to the placenta. This can keep the unborn baby from getting all the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The baby's growth may slow down and he or she may be born at a low birth weight (less than 5 lbs 8 oz). Low birth weight babies have a higher risk of complications than babies born at a healthy weight.
- Premature birth. Babies born to moms who have preeclampsia often have to be delivered early, even if the baby is not fully grown.Pre-term babies may have various health issues such as underdeveloped lungs and an increased risk of infection and possibly long-term disabilities like cerebral palsy. The earlier the baby is born, the greater the risk of complications.
- Placental abruption. This condition occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus too early. When this happens, the unborn baby may not be able to get enough oxygen. It can also cause severe vaginal bleeding. Placental abruption can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, poor growth and stillbirth. Seek medical care at once if you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
- Stillbirth. Stillbirth can occur when the baby doesn't get enough oxygen or nutrients. It can be a result of too little blood flow from the placenta or of placental abruption.
Work with your doctor
Prenatal care is important for all women, but it's especially crucial for women with preeclampsia. Following your preeclampsia treatment plan as directed by your doctor can reduce the chance of health problems for both you and your baby.Related Article:
- How Are Labor and Delivery Affected by Preeclampsia?
- High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia?
SOURCES:
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Bleeding during pregnancy.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. High blood pressure in pregnancy.
- March of Dimes. High blood pressure during pregnancy.
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. High blood pressure during pregnancy.