PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia as the name implies, is a warning sign of eclamsia.
We know that "pre" means a state before something else occurs. In this contest, pre-eclampsia means a condition that occurs at the initial stage prior to eclamsia, that's, if maximum attention is not taken could lead to eclamsia.
It is a condition that occurs within 20 weeks after pregnancy in pregnant women characterized by development of high blood pressure, protein in urine(proteinuria)and fluid retention in their feet and hands. It is also known as toxemia.
It is a condition that occurs within 20 weeks after pregnancy in pregnant women characterized by development of high blood pressure, protein in urine(proteinuria)and fluid retention in their feet and hands. It is also known as toxemia.
If it's not managed as soon as possible, it may lead to eclamsia as said earlier, which is most severe form that comes along with seizure as well as liver failure, and future cardiovascular problems.
What are the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia??
Pre-eclampsia can be mild or severe.
Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine.
Severe preeclampsia: headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue , nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if any of the above symptoms are seen.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if any of the above symptoms are seen.
How is pre-eclampsia treated medically?
Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.
If you have mild preeclampsia and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following:
{}Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels.
{}Increase prenatal checkups.
{}Consume less salt
{}Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
{}Change your diet to include more protein.
The following may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia:
1.A first-time mom
2.Previous experience with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia
3.Women whose sisters and mothers had pre-eclampsia(Genetic factor)
4.Women carrying multiple babies
5.Women younger than 20 years and . than age 40
6.Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy
7.Women who are obese or have a BMI of 30 or greater
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT.
Mostly, physiotherapy management would have to be considered most appropriate in pre-eclampsia, due to fatigue, headaches, swelling of feet, and breathing difficulties that may accompanies the condition.
Mostly, physiotherapy management would have to be considered most appropriate in pre-eclampsia, due to fatigue, headaches, swelling of feet, and breathing difficulties that may accompanies the condition.
¤ CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE EXERCISE:
With severe fatigue during walking or any other activities, physiotherapist would prescribe endurance exercise such as use of stationary bikes, treadmills, etc and encourage
brisk walking, and other low intensity cardiovascular exercises tolerable for the pregnant woman to be done in the home. This very exercise would improve cardiovascular function and also helps maintain the normal blood pressure.
brisk walking, and other low intensity cardiovascular exercises tolerable for the pregnant woman to be done in the home. This very exercise would improve cardiovascular function and also helps maintain the normal blood pressure.
¤Extremity elevation and massage.
It always advisable to elevate the swollen extremity above the heart level with pillow or sling to prevent further swelling. Lymphatic massage is equally important to dissolve the swelling present.
It always advisable to elevate the swollen extremity above the heart level with pillow or sling to prevent further swelling. Lymphatic massage is equally important to dissolve the swelling present.
LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
Steps :
1.Have patient in a comfortable position (supine lying)
2.Elevate the swollen extremity with pillow.
3.Using your fingers or the thumb, apply deep compression force and massage towards the heart.
Steps :
1.Have patient in a comfortable position (supine lying)
2.Elevate the swollen extremity with pillow.
3.Using your fingers or the thumb, apply deep compression force and massage towards the heart.
¤Deep breathing exercise is most appropriate to prevent breathing difficulties.
DEEP BREATHING EXERCISE.
STEP.
While in a very comfortable sitting, or standing position, take in oxygen through the nose. Make sure the abdomen does not rise more than the chest.
Exhale all the inhaled air through the mouth. Repeat the procedure for about three times.
While in a very comfortable sitting, or standing position, take in oxygen through the nose. Make sure the abdomen does not rise more than the chest.
Exhale all the inhaled air through the mouth. Repeat the procedure for about three times.
¤MOBILIZATION:
When there is swelling, adhesions are likely to occurs at the joints. So frequent mobility of the part is required. Therefore, passive and active mobilization of the joints are necessary to avoid contracture at the joint. This would be helpful in managing joint stiffness in pre-eclampsia.
When there is swelling, adhesions are likely to occurs at the joints. So frequent mobility of the part is required. Therefore, passive and active mobilization of the joints are necessary to avoid contracture at the joint. This would be helpful in managing joint stiffness in pre-eclampsia.
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ARTICLE BY:
THOMAS ADJEI BIO, TAB,
PTA(Pending).
THOMAS ADJEI BIO, TAB,
PTA(Pending).
©TAB, 2019.
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