The singer Lexa 29, was hospitalized in serious condition last Monday (20), in São Paulo. The artist, who is pregnant with her first child with the actor Ricardo Vianna is with early preeclampsia a condition characterized by increased blood pressure during pregnancy.
The artist’s official Instagram profile published a medical bulletin about her health status and reported that Lexa “is admitted to the Semi-Intensive Unit due to early pre-eclampsia, to monitor both her clinical status and the development of your baby.”
According to data from the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Febrasgo), the incidence of pre-eclampsia in Brazil varies from 1.5% to 7% . The condition does not have a single defined cause, but is related to risk factors such as pre-existing hypertension, type 1 or 2 diabetes before pregnancy, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases or the use of in vitro fertilization, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, which can lead to seizures or HELLP syndrome, which involves impairment of the liver and platelets.
According to Fernanda Nunes, gynecologist at the Atma Soma clinic, pre-eclampsia can occur from the 20th week of pregnancy but is more common in the third trimester. “Frequent prenatal exams are essential to detect early signs and avoid complications”, he adds.
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
According to the MSD Manualsome women with preeclampsia have no symptoms initially and the condition is diagnosed through prenatal testing. In some cases, swelling may occur in the hands, fingers, face, ankles and feet.
In severe cases, preeclampsia symptoms may include:
- Intense headaches;
- Distorted vision;
- Mental confusion;
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Decrease in urine;
- High blood pressure.
Additionally, in preeclampsia, protein levels in the urine are high, indicating kidney damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is also a decrease in platelet levels in the blood, a condition called thrombocytopenia, and an increase in liver enzymes that indicate liver problems.
The condition can progress quickly, putting the lives of the mother and baby at risk. “These symptoms may indicate that something is not right and should be investigated as soon as possible”, explains Nunes.
How is the treatment carried out?
Treatment for pre-eclampsia includes rest, medication to control blood pressure and, in severe cases, delaying delivery to protect the life of the mother and baby.
“The main goal is to prolong the pregnancy as long as possible without compromising the health of both parties. This requires an individualized and constant assessment”, says the gynecologist. “In some situations, even if the baby is not yet full-term, childbirth is the only solution to preserve mother and child”, he adds.
It is also worth remembering that postpartum monitoring is also essential, as pre-eclampsia can persist or appear after the baby is born. “Health care is a priority in all pregnancies and, at the slightest sign of abnormality, it is essential to seek professional evaluation”, he concludes.
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This content was originally published in Pre-eclampsia: understand the condition that led to Lexa being admitted to the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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