Stress a warning sign of preeclampsia

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Pregnant women should call a physician if they experience headaches, dizziness, frequent vomiting and malaise, U.S. researchers advised.

Nurses monitor preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, on an outpatient basis by checking in regularly with patients. The nurses generally look for the symptoms of persistent headache, blurred vision and abdominal pain as signs that it could be getting worse.

Kathleen Black of Temple University said the exact cause of preeclampsia isn't known but severe forms of these conditions can play a role in perinatal developmental issues of the fetus or even death for both the mother and fetus.

Black suggested assessing for other symptoms such as perceived stress, vertigo, inability to concentrate and mental changes.

Stress is higher in women with worsening or severe preeclampsia and gestation hypertension and nurses can help their patients reduce stress levels by identifying social supports within the family and in the community, or bringing in a home nurse if needed, the study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing reported.