A pregnant woman was rushed into the emergency room. She was unconscious, had no heart beat, was not breathing, had no blood pressure or pulse rate, and was turning blue. It was evident that she had passed away. However, there was a fetal heart rate present.
https://insights.omnia-health.com/webinars-reports/know-sooner-act-faster-pct-sepsis
I was the senior nurse on duty in the operating room during a quiet night. I heard the phone ring, followed by a buzzer, but I didn't even have time to answer the call before a group of ER staff rushed this woman into the operating room.
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The surgeon urgently ordered an emergency Caesarean section. We quickly prepared the necessary instruments, and we opened up the woman without anesthesia in order to save the baby. The baby was born alive but in a critical condition, requiring intensive care.
This situation could have been prevented if the woman had not neglected her prenatal check-ups, which the community nurse had urged her to do. She had pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/preeclampsia-in-pregnancy/
Pre-eclampsia a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and could damage the organs, typically the liver and kidneys. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, but it can also develop in the postpartum period (after childbirth).
The exact cause of preeclampsia is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to problems with the placenta, the organ that nourishes the fetus during pregnancy.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:
High blood pressure: This is a key indicator, and it's defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
Proteinuria: The presence of excess protein in the urine is another common symptom.
Swelling (edema): Swelling, particularly in the hands and face, can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches are often reported by women with preeclampsia.
Vision changes: Blurred vision, spots, or sensitivity to light can be warning signs.
Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribcage, may indicate liver involvement.
Preeclampsia can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Severe preeclampsia can result in damage to vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain. Additionally, it can restrict the blood flow to the placenta, which can lead to fetal growth problems, premature birth, and low birth weight.
The only way to cure preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. Depending on the severity of the condition and the stage of pregnancy, healthcare providers may recommend inducing labor or performing a cesarean section. In some cases, if preeclampsia is diagnosed early and is mild, bed rest, dietary changes, and close monitoring may be prescribed to manage the condition until it is safe to deliver the baby.
Regular prenatal care and early detection are crucial in managing and treating preeclampsia. If you are pregnant and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.
I hope this information is helpful. I didn't mean to cause any alarm; I was just providing an example. Pregnancy is an amazing experience that a woman should enjoy and not be scared of. With the help of our current medical system, you will receive the support you need and be able to cherish the process of nurturing your precious baby within you, who will soon join this world.
Take care, everyone.
Mariah 🩺♥
