Patient's question:
At 28 weeks of pregnancy, I noticed some swelling in my body, besides high blood pressure and high blood sugar. During pregnancy, I didn't take any vitamins or calcium supplements. In the afternoons when I take naps, my calves often twitch. I don't really like eating salty foods, and after noticing the swelling, I've cut back on salty foods, but the swelling hasn't gone away yet.What kind of help I need: How can I prevent gestational hypertension?
Doctor's answer:
Currently, the exact cause of preeclampsia is not yet fully understood. It is primarily believed to be related to autoimmune issues that lead to the spasm of small arteries throughout the mother's body, resulting in elevated blood pressure. Brain edema in multiple organs can cause additional functional impairments. In severe cases of pregnancy, symptoms such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, and intracranial hemorrhage may reappear. Your condition has recurred early and is severe, so it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Treatment with magnesium sulfate for spasm relief and blood pressure control may allow for a focus on early pregnancy. However, if the treatment is ineffective and poses a threat to the mother's life, the pregnancy may unfortunately have to be terminated. Please go to a major hospital in your area for follow-up care. Due to your impaired renal function, the use of magnesium sulfate should only be administered in a hospital with proper care and monitoring conditions.