Preeclampsia occurs only during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and it can cause complications in the mother and her baby. Although its exact causes are unknown, researchers believe that damage to the lining of the blood vessels trigger the abnormal functions and symptoms that develop in preeclampsia.
Substances called prostaglandins constrict and dilate blood vessels. Early research showed that women with preeclampsia had altered prostaglandin ratios. This raised the question of whether substances that inhibit prostaglandin production-such as aspirin (for example, Bufferin or Ecotrin) and calcium (for example, oyster shell calcium or Os-Cal)-could prevent preeclampsia.
In the past, aspirin was used to treat high-risk patients. Currently, however, this treatment is not used. In several small studies, low doses of aspirin (as in Ecotrin Adult Low Strength) reduced the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk populations. However, in 1994, the Collaborative Low-Dose Aspirin Study in Pregnancy (CLASP) Group reported a large, randomized trial comparing low-dose aspirin to placebo (sugar pill) in more than 9,300 high-risk patients. Low-dose aspirin did not reduce the incidence of preeclampsia in these patients. Overall, evidence does not confirm the benefit of low-dose aspirin as a preventative treatment for high- or low-risk patients.
Your doctor may recommend certain measures-evaluation of your blood pressure, kidney function, liver function, and blood clotting-as preventative treatments. Weight reduction and good blood sugar control (if you are diabetic) may also help lower your risk for preeclampsia. In general, the best way to avoid problems during pregnancy-or to manage them effectively if they do arise-is to see your doctor regularly. Begin prenatal care at the onset of your pregnancy and keep all your scheduled prenatal visits.
If you do develop preeclampsia, you and your baby are monitored regularly. Your treatment may include self-measured blood pressure and restricted activity. If you begin to develop headaches, changes in your vision, or abdominal pain or if your blood pressure is very high, the severity of your condition will impact your need for hospitalization, close monitoring, and early delivery of your baby. If you notice any change in your condition, contact your doctor immediately.
