Preeclampsia begins after the 20th gestational week in previously normotensive and non-proteinuric women and usually resolves spontaneously a few weeks after delivery.
The underlying causes of the onset of preeclampsia have not yet been identified with certainty, but some alterations in the development of the placenta and the blood vessels that supply it are thought to be determining. Several factors contribute to increasing the risk of gestosis, including: predisposition familial, pre-existing chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, obesity and kidney disorders.
The disease can progress gradually, onset suddenly or remain silent with nonspecific symptoms, such as headache or blurred vision, to degeneration into eclampsia. If not managed correctly, there is a risk that very serious complications may occur, both for the future mother, who for the baby.
, in previously normotensive and non-proteinuric women.
In detail, the diagnostic definition of preeclampsia is obtained with the following criteria:
- Blood pressure ≥140 / 90 mmHg (in two successive measurements at least 6 hours apart);
- Proteinuria ≥0.3 g / 24 hours.
Preeclampsia also involves widespread swelling (edema) due to fluid retention, excessive weight gain, headache, visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting and other manifestations associated with hypertension and proteinuria. Generally, preeclampsia is reversible during the puerperium, within 6-12 weeks of delivery.
