HIM FPX 4610 Assessment 6 Health Topic Presentation

Student Name

Capella University

HIM FPX 4610 Medical Terminology

Prof. Name

Date

Health Topic Presentation: Understanding Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by new-onset high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes accompanied by protein in the urine or signs of damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or brain. Early recognition, regular prenatal monitoring, and timely treatment are essential because severe preeclampsia can threaten the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby.

Good morning! I am ___, and I appreciate everyone being here today. I have the opportunity to discuss an important maternal health topic: preeclampsia. Before discussing its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, I would like to share a personal experience that helped shape my understanding of this condition and ultimately influenced my decision to become a nurse.

A Personal Experience With Preeclampsia

When I discovered that I was pregnant with my first child, I was incredibly excited. However, that excitement was accompanied by significant anxiety because I had previously experienced multiple miscarriages. Because of my pregnancy history, I was considered high risk and received care through a high-risk pregnancy clinic.

An early ultrasound initially provided reassurance. However, I later experienced heavy bleeding that raised concerns about another possible miscarriage. Follow-up ultrasounds showed that the pregnancy was continuing normally, although the cause of the bleeding was never clearly identified. After approximately two months, the bleeding stopped, but another concern developed: my blood pressure began increasing.

As my pregnancy progressed, I attended weekly appointments and underwent additional testing. Two separate 24-hour urine collections did not show proteinuria. However, I began experiencing other concerning symptoms, including difficulty breathing while lying flat, swelling of my face and lips, extreme fatigue, and disturbing dreams. I reported these symptoms to my physician and was reassured that some changes could occur during pregnancy.

At 28 weeks, however, a routine appointment became particularly concerning. While monitoring my baby’s heartbeat, my physician recognized that something was wrong. An ultrasound was planned for the following week, along with possible hospital admission if my blood pressure remained elevated.

I never reached that appointment.

Two days later, I became seriously ill and was taken to the emergency department. I was transferred to labor and delivery and ultimately required an emergency cesarean section. My daughter was born prematurely at 29 weeks and 4 days. Her premature birth was followed by significant health challenges, including traumatic brain injury, global developmental delay, autism, cortical visual impairment, and nonverbal communication.

Twelve years later, this experience has become an important part of my nursing journey. My daughter continues to demonstrate remarkable potential, and my experience has strengthened my commitment to educating others about preeclampsia and the importance of recognizing warning signs during pregnancy.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that usually develops after 20 weeks of gestation. Although researchers continue to study the exact mechanisms involved, the placenta plays an important role in the development of the condition.

During a healthy pregnancy, the blood vessels supplying the placenta undergo changes that allow adequate blood flow to support fetal growth. In preeclampsia, abnormal placental development and impaired blood-vessel function can contribute to widespread maternal vascular and organ changes.

Preeclampsia is not simply a condition of having high blood pressure. In some cases, it can affect several organs and may progress rapidly. This is why regular prenatal care and timely evaluation of concerning symptoms are so important.

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms. A pregnant woman may feel relatively well while elevated blood pressure or laboratory abnormalities are discovered during a routine prenatal appointment.

Potential warning signs include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Protein in the urine
• Severe or persistent headache
• Changes in vision, including blurred vision or seeing spots
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the upper abdomen, particularly beneath the ribs
• Sudden or significant swelling of the face or hands
• Nausea or vomiting, particularly later in pregnancy
• Decreased platelet levels
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Signs of kidney dysfunction

Not every symptom means that a woman has preeclampsia. However, new, severe, or worsening symptoms during pregnancy should be reported promptly to a healthcare professional.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia. These include a previous history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, obesity, multiple pregnancy, and certain maternal age groups.

Other circumstances, including assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and a family history of preeclampsia, may also be associated with increased risk.

A previous history of preeclampsia is particularly important because it can increase the risk of developing the condition during a subsequent pregnancy. However, having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely develop preeclampsia.

Complications of Preeclampsia

Untreated or severe preeclampsia can cause serious complications for the pregnant woman and fetus. The condition can progress to seizures, stroke, organ damage, placental complications, premature delivery, and, in severe cases, maternal or fetal death.

One serious complication is HELLP syndrome, which stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. HELLP syndrome requires urgent medical assessment and treatment because it can cause severe maternal and fetal complications.

Fetal and Newborn Complications

Preeclampsia can also affect fetal health. Reduced placental blood flow can interfere with fetal growth and oxygen delivery. Depending on the severity and timing of the condition, complications may include fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, and preterm birth.

Premature birth itself can expose a newborn to additional health challenges, including respiratory, neurological, developmental, and other complications. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the potential impact of prematurity.

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals evaluate several factors when diagnosing preeclampsia. New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy is an important finding, but diagnosis does not depend exclusively on proteinuria.

Depending on the clinical situation, evidence of organ involvement may support a diagnosis. This can include low platelet levels, abnormal liver function, kidney dysfunction, pulmonary edema, severe headaches, or visual disturbances.

A healthcare provider may therefore consider:

• Blood pressure measurements
• Urine testing
• Blood tests
• Platelet counts
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Maternal symptoms
• Fetal growth and well-being

Because preeclampsia can change quickly, repeated assessment may be necessary.

Tests Used to Monitor Preeclampsia

Testing depends on the individual’s symptoms, blood pressure, gestational age, and overall clinical condition.

Urine testing can assess protein loss, while blood tests may evaluate platelet counts, kidney function, and liver enzymes. Fetal monitoring may include ultrasound examinations to evaluate growth and amniotic fluid, non-stress testing, or a biophysical profile.

These tests help healthcare professionals determine whether the pregnancy can continue safely with close monitoring or whether delivery should be considered.

How Is Preeclampsia Treated?

The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the condition, gestational age, maternal health, and fetal well-being. Delivery is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia, although healthcare professionals may sometimes manage the condition expectantly when it is clinically appropriate to allow additional fetal development.

Treatment and monitoring may include blood-pressure medications, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention in patients at increased risk of seizures, and corticosteroids when early delivery is anticipated to help accelerate fetal lung maturation.

Severe preeclampsia requires urgent medical attention. Decisions about timing and method of delivery are individualized based on maternal and fetal conditions.

Can Preeclampsia Be Prevented?

Preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, but certain strategies can reduce risk in people who meet specific risk criteria. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks of gestation for pregnant individuals at high risk for preeclampsia, when recommended by their healthcare professional.

Low-dose aspirin should not be started during pregnancy without discussing the individual’s medical history and risk factors with a qualified healthcare professional.

Regular prenatal care is another important part of prevention and early detection. Blood pressure monitoring and appropriate laboratory or fetal assessments can help identify developing complications before they become more severe.

What Is the Prognosis for Preeclampsia?

The prognosis varies depending on when preeclampsia develops, how severe it becomes, how quickly it is recognized, and whether complications occur. Early identification and appropriate management can significantly reduce the risk of serious outcomes.

After delivery, monitoring remains important because preeclampsia and related complications can persist or develop during the postpartum period. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding blood pressure monitoring, medications, follow-up appointments, and warning signs.

Maternal health outcomes also vary across populations. Research has documented racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes in the United States, including disparities affecting Black women. These differences highlight the importance of equitable access to quality prenatal, obstetric, emergency, and postpartum care.

When Should a Pregnant Woman Seek Medical Attention?

Pregnant individuals should contact a healthcare professional promptly if they develop symptoms that could indicate preeclampsia, particularly severe headache, vision changes, significant swelling, shortness of breath, severe abdominal or upper abdominal pain, or other sudden and concerning changes.

Severe symptoms may require emergency evaluation. Waiting for a scheduled prenatal appointment may not be appropriate when symptoms are sudden or severe.

Support and Resources for Preeclampsia

Education and emotional support can be valuable for individuals and families affected by preeclampsia. Reliable organizations provide information about risk factors, symptoms, treatment, pregnancy complications, and postpartum care.

The Preeclampsia Foundation provides educational materials and support resources for patients, families, and healthcare professionals. The March of Dimes also provides information about pregnancy complications, premature birth, and maternal and infant health.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a potentially serious pregnancy complication that requires careful monitoring and timely medical management. Although high blood pressure is a central feature, preeclampsia can involve multiple organ systems and may occur with or without noticeable symptoms.

Regular prenatal appointments provide an important opportunity to monitor blood pressure, evaluate symptoms, perform appropriate testing, and assess fetal well-being. Pregnant individuals should also feel comfortable reporting new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare providers rather than assuming that significant changes are simply a normal part of pregnancy.

My personal experience with preeclampsia and premature birth ultimately influenced my decision to become a nurse. Sharing these experiences and increasing awareness can help emphasize an important message: recognizing warning signs early and seeking appropriate medical care can be critical to protecting maternal and fetal health.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(6), e237–e260. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/06/gestational-hypertension-and-preeclampsia

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

Duckitt, K., & Harrington, D. (2005). Risk factors for pre-eclampsia at antenatal booking: Systematic review of controlled studies. BMJ, 330(7491), 565. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38380.674340.E0

HIM FPX 4610 Assessment 6 Health Topic Presentation

Henderson, J. T., Thompson, J. H., Burda, B. U., Cantor, A., Beil, T., & Whitlock, E. P. (2017). Screening for preeclampsia: A systematic evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Evidence Synthesis No. 148). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447461/

Leeman, L., Dresang, L. T., & Fontaine, P. (2016). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. American Family Physician, 93(2), 121–127. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0115/p121.html

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia and related morbidity and mortality: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 326(12), 1186–1191. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.14781

Walani, S. R. (2020). Global burden of preterm birth. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 150(1), 31–33. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13195

van Lieshout, L. C. E. W., Koek, G. H., Spaanderman, M. A., & van Runnard Heimel, P. J. (2019). Placenta-derived factors involved in the pathogenesis of the liver in the syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP): A review. Pregnancy Hypertension, 16, 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preghy.2019.03.002