Preeclampsia is a medical concern related to pregnancies with either a singleton or multiples. It is when there is a high amount of protein found within the urine. A medical provider can test the count with a simple stick test to highlight the protein count within the urine.
What happens if you are told by your medical care provider that you have preeclampsia with twins? Hearing the news that you have preeclampsia can be scary, and you have every right to feel that way. With knowledge comes power. In knowing additional information on preeclampsia can give you a better feeling of being in control of your body, your twins, and your pregnancy.
In this article, TwinStuff will be reviewing commonly asked questions of being pregnant and having preeclampsia with twins. We will answer questions to inform you of what exactly is preeclampsia, important signs, and symptoms, along with other questions that you are seeking answers in. Understanding the answers to these questions can ease the stress you may be feeling.
What is preeclampsia?
The history of preeclampsia dates back to ancient Greece, with the Greek word for “lightening” being eclampsia. Back then, Greeks were not aware of what it really was. They thought it was a “traveling womb” that moved within the woman’s body. Over time, medical professionals began noticing that preeclampsia was related to pregnant women. It was written within the textbooks by the 20th century and thought to have been related to women having toxins within their bodies. It was wrongly assumed to be known as toxemia, due to this assumption within the medical community.
As the medical realm evolved, professionals realized that there are no clear-cut causes of preeclampsia. However, there are symptoms and signs that doctors look for when diagnosing their patients. Let us take a look at a number of determinants that are linked to preeclampsia.
What are the preeclampsia symptoms and signs?
Typically, pregnant women may first experience signs and symptoms of preeclampsia by the second trimester, or by the 20th week of pregnancy. The possibility of women having preeclampsia can happen throughout the remainder of trimesters to post-partum. Doctors know how to diagnose preeclampsia by listening to the concerns of their pregnant patients. That is why it is of the utmost importance that you know the possible signs of preeclampsia.
The symptoms and signs of preeclampsia can be, but not limited to the following:
- High Blood Pressure
- Abnormal Swelling of the Extremities
- Blurred Vision and Headaches
- Heartburn
High Blood Pressure
A gradual increase of high blood pressure, or a quick spike, is something that will be monitored by medical doctors. Either development may be a sign of preeclampsia. The level of seriousness can vary between mild and severe.
With a mild case of preeclampsia, you may not notice the signs or symptoms. It can be gradual but still a cause of concern for your tending physician. You will be constantly monitored and may have an induced delivery to keep you and your baby safe.
Severe cases of preeclampsia may require immediate hospitalization. If your doctor may allow you to stay home but recommends constant bed rest during the remainder of your pregnancy. Plenty of women with severe cases of preeclampsia deliver healthy babies.
Abnormal Swelling
Swelling is common during pregnancy. Plenty of pregnant women experience swelling in the feet, ankles, wrists, and hands. This is known as pitting edema. Compression socks and compression sleeves can help alleviate some discomfort pregnant women may endure.
However, if you press onto the swollen part, and an indentation is left behind, inform your doctor of your swelling. Pay attention to any swelling of the face, especially first thing after waking up. Retaining water at night can settle within the face, making it extremely uncomfortable and causing blurred vision and headaches.
Blurred Vision / Headaches
If pregnant moms have migraines or tension headaches; headaches related to preeclampsia may not cause concern. It is still something that you want to mention to your doctors to take note of and monitor. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia vision can be severe due to pressure of the central nervous system. This leads to swelling of the brain, sensitivity to light and to sound.
High Risk Twin Pregnancy, When does preeclampsia start?
The different stages of preeclampsia can start as early as the 20th week of pregnancy. Showing the signs and symptoms around this time. If you are 34 weeks along, or diagnosed as having preeclampsia at 35 weeks, your doctor may suggest that it is time to deliver the babies.
In other cases, especially with pregnant moms that are over the age of 35, postpartum preeclampsia is a possibility. This happens in women within 48 hours and up to a month and a half of delivering their babies. Often, they have no signs or symptoms during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia With Twins, When do they induce?
The further along the pregnancy, the better it is for the pregnant mom and her babies. Any causes for concern, such as low blood flow to the placenta, irregular weight gain, or kidney disease may jumpstart the conversation to induce labor. If there are possibilities of pregnancy complications, expect to hear your doctor say that it is time to induce. The safety of the mom and her babies are the number one priority of medical professionals within the United States and most countries around the world.
Find More Important Information About Twin Pregnancy
Preeclampsia with twins is a serious condition to be aware of during, and after, pregnancy. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Turn to TwinStuff to ease your mind by educating you with information for you and your twins. Our TwinStuff Facebook Group allows you to read about preeclampsia survivors, along with their labor and delivery support narratives. Check out our Amazon shop, where we have adorable twin onesies and bibs made of 100% cotton. Every day we are surrounded by so much information on twins and pregnancies. Bookmark TwinStuff as we will continue to bring you amazing insight on all things twin related.
