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The only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the unborn child and placenta. This intervention, even in the case of premature delivery, is the safest option for both mother and child.

In cases where preeclampsia symptoms appear mild (traces of protein in the urine, with minimal elevation of the blood pressure), anti-hypertensive therapy is recommended to regain control of the blood pressure. In some cases this treatment is sufficient to allow a pregnant woman to progress to a more viable stage of pregnancy for delivery in the event that the preeclampsia worsens.

In the event that blood pressure begins to rise despite the administration of anti-hypertensive medication, intravenous anti-hypertensives are the next treatment choice. Hydralazine is the drug of choice in most cases. Ace-inhibitors are advised against as research indicates a risk of fetal harm. Treatment is then titrated to the blood pressure, which itself will need to be monitored frequently. Anticonvulsant medication such as that of intravenous Magnesium Sulphate, is usually introduced at this stage, as a prophylactic measure, its function is to reduce vascular spasm. The drug is not recommended for use unless it is clear that the preeclamsia is progressing toward a situation where the mother and baby are at immediate risk (Warden, 2005).

Despite advances in so many areas of medicine, prevention of preeclampsia has still not been fully established. The introduction of prophylactic dose Aspirin, 75mgs daily, is a treatment exercised by some (not all) obstetricians and general practitioners, when a woman is identified as being in one or more of the risk groups. The benefits of Aspirin are believed to result in less placental aggregation and therefore less placental ischaemia which is the reason why the baby is at risk of death (Redman et al, 1978).

When a woman with a history of preeclampsia presents with any subsequent pregnancy, it is common practice that she be offered more frequent maternal monitoring, by means of blood pressure and urine checks, as well as the likelihood that she may have a planned (booked) induced labor or cesarean section earlier than 40 weeks in the event that preeclampsia develops once again. Booked procedures are usually performed at around 37 or 38 weeks gestation.

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