High blood pressure and edema, which is excess fluid in the tissues, is a common complication during and soon after pregnancy. Many changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Changing characteristics of the hormones, heart, blood vessels, respiratory system, the metabolism and other cells and organs make the physiology different from the nonpregnant state. These changes can lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia has two essential features, according to "Williams Obstetrics" by Dr. F. Cunningham. The first is hypertension, or high blood pressure, defined as a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mmHg, and a diastolic pressure over 90 mmHg. The second is the presence of higher than normal amounts of protein in the urine. The protein loss in the urine causes fluids to leak out of the blood vessels and into the tissues, causing swelling, or edema. If preeclampsia is severe, it can cause more problems such as very high blood pressure, decreased urine output and fluid in the lungs.
Eclampsia
Eclampsia has many of the features of preeclampsia, such as high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Eclampsia is diagnosed when neurological problems -- such as seizures or coma -- are added to these symptoms. One of the most feared potential complications with eclampsia is a stroke.
HELLP Syndrome
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," HELLP is an acronym for "hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets." Hemolysis means the breakdown of red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen. The syndrome also causes liver damage which releases liver enzymes into the blood. Platelet -- cells responsible for helping blood to clot -- counts also drop. Symptoms can include headache, pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, vision changes and yellowing of the skin.
References
- "Williams Obstetrics"; F. Cunningham, Kenneth Leveno, Steven Bloom, and John Hauth; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci, et al.; 2008
