Preeclampsia was first described in the 19th century. It is a condition that occurs in pregnancy after the 20th week of gestation. Its hallmark signs are hypertension, proteinuria and edema. Preeclampsia can range from mild to severe and include various complications that can affect the entire maternal system as well as affect the unborn fetus. Eclampsia is the severe form of preeclampsia involving tonic-clonic like seizures.
The only “cure” for preeclampsia and eclampsia is delivery. Indications for delivery, when greater than 20 weeks gestation, include the following: maternal compromise, eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, thrombocytopenia, hepatic or renal failure, or if the mother reaches 38 weeks gestation (Baldwin & McCoy, 2009).
The most important thing to do for a Preeclamptic patient is to be supportive and reassuring throughout their entire hospitalization. This disease can be very frightening and it is important for these patients to remain calm and focus on getting to an appropriate gestational age so that they can deliver a healthy baby. The maternal and fetal well-being is of upmost importance and anything that can help the mother through this difficult time is well worth it.
I chose this topic area because it affects my chosen career. As a labor and delivery nurse I am seeing more cases of preeclampsia and eclampsia each week. It is important for anyone starting a family to be aware of this disease and all it entails.
The following websites were chosen based on the content they provide. After careful research and elimination of non-reputable pages, I have put this list together. The information provided through each site has been proven to be accurate.
Preeclampsia Foundation
This site provides the general public with a brief yet informative overview of preeclampsia. Also available is an online “support group” that allows families to post their experiences with this disease. A thorough review of preeclampsia is not available through this site, but it gives the reader a foundation to build on.
Wikipedia
Preeclampsia
Although not necessarily regarded as a scholarly reference, Wikipedia offers the reader a substantial amount of information. Hyperlinks are available throughout the reading which offers the reader further clarification on various aspects of preeclampsia.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
This site offers answers to frequently asked questions regarding preeclampsia and its warning signs. A brief overview is also provided along with hyperlinks to other complications in pregnancy. These links are helpful to those who are curious about what pregnancy may entail and how to protect the health of themselves and their baby.
WebMD
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
This web page explains the differences between preeclampsia and eclampsia. After reading the available content, the reader will be able to compile a list of causes and risk factors for preeclampsia. Also offered are answers to common questions regarding the disease and possible treatments that could be implemented.
National Center for Biotechnology Information
This database offers the researcher an abundance of recently published scholarly articles. To access full text articles, the user creates a free account. The few minutes that it takes to create an account is well worth the time once you see the reputable information that becomes available.
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Medline Plus: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
A database associated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers the user an overview of high blood pressure and general causes, including preeclampsia. Hyperlinks are available to guide the reader to further readings of preeclampsia including the latest news, clinical trials, research, and journal articles. This database grants the reader several avenues to explore.
Baldwin, K., & McCoy, S. (2009). Pharmacotherapeutic options for the treatment of preeclampsia. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 66(4), 337-344. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.
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