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How to prevent Preeclampsia?

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As it is associated to pregnancy, it is often unpreventable. However, based on studies of people who have had preeclampsia, the risk can be lowered with aspirin and is only given to those who have a history of it, with a recommended daily low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) beginning after 12 weeks of pregnancy. In some populations, women who have calcium deficiency before pregnancy — and who don't get enough calcium during pregnancy through their diets — might benefit from calcium supplements to prevent preeclampsia.

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How to manage Preeclampsia if it occurs?

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The key thing is early diagnosis so that it can be managed with a physician. A blood test can diagnose the severity of it by measuring uric acid level, platelets level in your blood, clotting level and liver function. If a patient's preeclampsia becomes very severe, she might develop HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels, and Low Platelet levels) syndrome. Once any of these symptoms appear, immediate treatment is required and in severe cases, patients may be admitted and given magnesium sulphate to stablise the condition and administer medication (steriods) to speed up the delivery of the baby's lungs to bring forward delivery. Treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, depending on the condition of the mother and baby. We also look out for very bad edema (swelling) of the body, which indicates greater severity of the preeclampsia condition.

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What causes Preeclampsia during pregnancy?

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The causes of preeclampsia are unknown.

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What are some of the early signs of preeclampsia and how is it diagnosed?

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There are some conditions that are linked to high blood pressure such as badly controlled thyroid problems and autoimmune disease. Multiple pregnancies can also increase the risk of preeclampsia. Initially, there are no symptoms and some identify it through early pregnancy checks. It usually starts with raised blood pressure. As it progresses, some people get headaches, chest pains, giddiness and blurring of vision. As it gets worse, nausea might occur. As a mother approaches eclampsia, her movements and reflexes become very brisk.

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What are the different birthing options that I can consider?

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Mainly surgical and non-surgical (vaginal birth). There are different birthing positions. Some consider water births. One should consider based on what is best after discussion with your doctor.

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Is water birthing good or bad?

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Studies show water birth during stage one doesn’t improve your or your baby’s medical outcome. A warm bath might help you relax and help you feel more in control. Floating in water helps you move around more easily than in bed, too. Some studies suggests that the water may lower chances of severe vaginal tearing

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How can I choose the right birthing hospital?

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The choice you make about where to give birth will depend on your needs and risks and, to some extent, on where you live. Whichever option you choose, the place should feel right for you. Another consideration would be choosing a hospital near your doctor in case of emergencies. You and your birth partner should have all the information you need before choosing where you have your baby. It’s your choice.

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What is a painless delivery? What are the pros and cons?

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The only way for a painless delivery is the administration of an epidural. An epidural is an injection of an anesthetic into the spine, which is typically a painless process. With everything, it may come with side effects such as spinal headaches and backaches after the procedure, especially if you have to do the injections more than once in different areas. In the worst case scenario, paralysis may occur. In the event you do a c-section, you don't have to have an epidural again. In Singapore and most countries in this day and age, most elective c-sections are done by spinal epidural.

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Is it okay if my baby bump doesn't show up until week 20?

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You're lucky then. It is not important to show. It is important whether baby is growing well. People who have first child usually don't show the bump as much because the muscles are still firm. For second and subsequent pregnancies, you may show early because the skin is loose. If a person is fat, you will less likely show your baby bum. Skinny people show their bumps more, especially if you wear tight clothes. Most people cannot hide by 16 weeks with some tummy fullness. By 20 weeks, most people can see it.

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What triggers hypothyroidism? What is the impact of hypothyroidism on the foetus?

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Most of the time, the reason is unknown. Sometimes it's due to having autoimmune disease, where your thyroid is having antibodies attacking it so the hormones drop. Whether the thyroid hormones are high (hyperthyroidism) or low (hypothyroidism), it is not good for the baby and sometimes this abnormality, because of antibodies causing the hormones to be abnormal, the baby can born with thyroid hormone imbalance (because the antibodies are passed on to the baby). This can cause the baby to not try well (also known as "failure to thrive") and they can't sucker well ,they don't feed well, they don't grow well. These things must be discovered immediately at birth or else the baby won't grow well, which may affect their brain and cause mental retardation. As part of the normal practice, most babies are checked for thyroid hormones.

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