News
Beyond morning sickness: The unexpected reality of pre-eclampsia
As a pregnant woman, every kick and twitch of the growing baby is a precious milestone, coupled with full expectations of holding the newborn in their arms at the end of their gestation.
For some women, their anticipation, joy, and hope are clouded by the threat of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can turn a dream pregnancy into a nightmare.
Pre-eclampsia
It is a disease characterised by high blood pressure and damage to many organs, such as the liver and kidney.
It is regarded as a silent predator that strikes without warning and could have devastating consequences for both the expectant mother and the foetus.
Despite its severity, it remains a misunderstood condition.
Pre-eclampsia has no regard for the age, health, or background of any pregnant woman and affects thousands of women worldwide.
It sets in after the 20th week of gestation in women who may have had normal blood pressure earlier. It can be present in the normal, moderate, or severe range.
‘A mother’s strength,
overcoming pre-eclampsia’
Mrs Adjoa Arthur is a 39-year-old trader in Ashaiman-Zenu and has three children: two boys and a girl.
She said her first pregnancy was without complications, but the last baby, Crystal Arthur’s pregnancy changed her dreams and almost turned them into nightmares.
Mrs Arthur recounted that she began having slight headaches, double vision, and easily fatigued symptoms, which she considered normal as every pregnancy comes with different experiences.
The symptoms spiked like a thunderstorm, and she started having blurry vision, severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, among others.
“I gained weight abnormally; my face got swollen; I couldn’t breathe well; it became severe; I was panting for air; there was a time I almost died if not for the swift intervention of my husband.”
She added that she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia on her 22nd week of gestation: “I was shocked because everything was normal; I never saw myself in that situation; the first pregnancy was smooth; I even thought it was spiritual.”
To save the baby and mother, she was induced to give birth in the 37th week of pregnancy. The baby was delivered more than 24 hours after the inducement.
“When I saw the baby, although I was weak, the joy I felt was immeasurable; it was a miracle. I thanked God for his goodness, and my husband was in tears,” Mrs Arthur narrated with joy.
Today my baby is thriving, a vibrant reminder of hope, courage, and thankfulness to God Almighty.
Pre-eclampsia can be dangerous and life-threatening by causing complications such as eclampsia, placenta abruption, foetal growth restriction, kidney and liver damage, low birth weight.
The cause of pre-eclampsia is not known; however, risk factors include expecting multiple babies, a previous history of pre-eclampsia, family history, and having a body mass index above 35.
While herbs may have health benefits, pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition that requires evidence-based medical treatment. The use of herbs without medical treatment may lead to further serious complications.
Dr Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, said the region recorded 170 maternal deaths, of which 30 per cent were due to pre-eclampsia.
She said this during the launch of the 2024 world pre-eclampsia day at the Shai-Osudoku District Hospital, stating that pre-eclampsia in Sub-Saharan Africa occurs among about 13 per cent of all pregnant women.
Conclusion
Pre-eclampsia can lead to devastating consequences for the woman, baby, and even the family if not prevented and handled properly.
Pregnant women have therefore been urged by health experts to seek immediate treatment from health facilities and not desist from taking other non-prescribed medications. –GNA
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
