Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. This condition typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, affecting individuals who previously had normal blood pressure. Untreated, it can cause severe health issues for both the pregnant individual and the baby, making early detection important.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms
At 31 weeks, pregnant individuals should recognize signs of preeclampsia. A persistent headache not improving with pain relievers can be a warning sign. Vision changes, such as blurry vision, flashing lights, or spots, warrant immediate attention.
Sudden swelling in the face and hands, beyond usual pregnancy swelling, is a symptom. Upper abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side, can occur. New or worsening nausea or vomiting, distinct from morning sickness, should be noted. These symptoms are distinct from common pregnancy discomforts and signal a need for prompt medical evaluation.
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
When symptoms suggest preeclampsia, a healthcare provider conducts an evaluation to confirm diagnosis. Blood pressure measurements are a primary diagnostic tool, with readings of 140 mm Hg or higher for systolic pressure or 90 mm Hg or higher for diastolic pressure, taken on two separate occasions at least four hours apart, indicating hypertension.
Urine tests check for proteinuria (elevated protein in the urine), indicating potential kidney damage. Blood tests assess kidney and liver function, looking for elevated liver enzymes or abnormal creatinine levels. A complete blood count measures platelet levels, as a low platelet count can be associated with preeclampsia. These tests confirm diagnosis and determine the condition’s severity at 31 weeks.
Treatment and Management Approaches
Managing preeclampsia at 31 weeks involves close monitoring of the pregnant individual and baby. Frequent blood pressure checks track the condition’s progression. Fetal well-being is assessed through regular ultrasounds (to monitor growth and amniotic fluid levels) and non-stress tests (to check heart rate patterns).
Medical interventions include medications to control blood pressure, such as antihypertensives, reducing complication risk. Corticosteroids like betamethasone may accelerate the baby’s lung development in anticipation of preterm delivery. Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures, a serious complication known as eclampsia.
Delivery at 31 weeks is carefully considered. If preeclampsia is severe or worsening, delivery might be recommended to prevent further complications for the pregnant individual and baby. If the condition is stable, conservative management may be attempted to allow for further fetal maturation, balancing prematurity risks against continuing the pregnancy.
Maternal and Fetal Considerations
Preeclampsia at 31 weeks impacts both the pregnant individual and the baby. For the pregnant individual, risks include eclampsia (characterized by seizures) and HELLP syndrome, a severe form involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. Other complications include stroke, acute kidney injury, and liver damage.
For the baby, the primary concern at 31 weeks is preterm birth, leading to respiratory distress syndrome due to underdeveloped lungs. Intrauterine growth restriction is also a risk if the placenta’s blood flow is compromised. Babies born prematurely due to preeclampsia often require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for specialized care. Careful management aims to minimize these risks and optimize outcomes for the pregnant individual and newborn.