Improve antenatal services

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 66 views

Introduction

Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition that affects pregnant women worldwide, characterized by high blood pressure, edema, and proteinuria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In Indonesia, pre-eclampsia is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to quality healthcare is limited. The Regional General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh, located in the province of Aceh, has reported a high incidence of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia in pregnant women referred to the Regional General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh.

Background

Pre-eclampsia is a complex condition that is influenced by multiple factors, including maternal age, parity, twin births, hypertension, antenatal care, and culture. The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to the abnormal development of the placenta. In Indonesia, pre-eclampsia is a significant cause of maternal mortality, accounting for approximately 10% of all maternal deaths. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia in Indonesia is estimated to be around 5-10%, with higher rates reported in rural areas.

Methodology

This study used a case-control design, where the case group consisted of all pregnant women suffering from pre-eclampsia, and the control group consisted of pregnant women who did not experience these conditions. The sample size consisted of 105 patients in each group. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test and logistics regression.

Results

The results of the study showed that the maternal age factor (OR = 3.50; 95% CI 1.90-6.46), hypertension (OR = 23.55; 95% CI 11.16-49.70), and Antenatal treatment (OR = 4.33; 95% CI 2.41-7.79) have a significant relationship with the incidence of pre-eclampsia. Meanwhile, multiple logistics regression tests revealed that the most influential variables of pre-eclampsia are hypertension, with OR = 26.80; 95% CI 11.39-63.07. This shows that pregnant women who experience pre-eclampsia have a risk of 26.8 times greater to experience hypertension compared to mothers who do not experience pre-eclampsia.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of antenatal care in preventing pre-eclampsia. The study found that pregnant women who received regular antenatal care had a lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia compared to those who did not receive regular care. This suggests that improving antenatal services, including regular blood pressure checks and education on healthy lifestyle choices, can help reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study identified hypertension, maternal age, and antenatal treatment as significant risk factors for pre-eclampsia in pregnant women referred to the Regional General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh. The study highlights the importance of improving antenatal services, including regular blood pressure checks and education on healthy lifestyle choices, to reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia. With a focus on prevention and education, we can create a safer environment for pregnant women and their fetuses.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve antenatal services: Regular blood pressure checks and education on healthy lifestyle choices should be provided to all pregnant women.
Increase awareness: Pregnant women and their families should be educated on the risks of pre-eclampsia and the importance of regular antenatal care.
Develop a pre-eclampsia prevention program: A comprehensive program should be developed to prevent pre-eclampsia, including regular antenatal care, education, and early detection of high blood pressure.
Monitor blood pressure: Regular blood pressure checks should be conducted on all pregnant women, particularly those with a history of hypertension or pre-eclampsia.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size was limited to 105 patients in each group, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Selection bias: The study may be subject to selection bias, as the sample was selected from a specific hospital and may not be representative of the larger population.
Limited data: The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias and error.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Recruit a larger sample size: A larger sample size would provide more accurate and generalizable results.
Use a more diverse sample: The sample should be more diverse to include women from different socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations.
Use more advanced statistical analysis: More advanced statistical analysis, such as machine learning algorithms, should be used to identify the most influential variables associated with pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

Q: What is pre-eclampsia?

A: Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition that affects pregnant women, characterized by high blood pressure, edema, and proteinuria. It is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Q: What are the risk factors for pre-eclampsia?

A: The risk factors for pre-eclampsia include:

Maternal age (over 35 years)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Antenatal treatment (poor antenatal care)
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Family history of pre-eclampsia
Obesity
Previous history of pre-eclampsia

Q: What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia?

A: The symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

High blood pressure
Edema (swelling of the hands and feet)
Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
Headaches
Vision changes
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain

Q: How is pre-eclampsia diagnosed?

A: Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed through a combination of:

Blood pressure measurement
Urine analysis
Physical examination
Ultrasound examination
Laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests, platelet count)

Q: What is the treatment for pre-eclampsia?

A: The treatment for pre-eclampsia includes:

Rest and relaxation
Bed rest
Medications to lower blood pressure
Hospitalization for close monitoring
Delivery of the baby (if the condition is severe)

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented?

A: While pre-eclampsia cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

Regular antenatal care
Monitoring blood pressure and urine protein
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise)
Avoiding excessive weight gain
Getting enough rest and relaxation

Q: What is the prognosis for women with pre-eclampsia?

A: The prognosis for women with pre-eclampsia depends on the severity of the condition and the promptness of treatment. In general, women with mild pre-eclampsia have a good prognosis, while those with severe pre-eclampsia may experience complications, such as:

Maternal mortality
Fetal growth restriction
Premature birth
Low birth weight

Q: Can pre-eclampsia recur in future pregnancies?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can recur in future pregnancies. Women who have had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy are at increased risk of developing it again in a subsequent pregnancy.

Q: What is the role of antenatal care in preventing pre-eclampsia?

A: Antenatal care plays a crucial role in preventing pre-eclampsia. Regular antenatal care can help identify women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia and provide early intervention to prevent complications.

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be managed at home?

A: No, pre-eclampsia should not be managed at home. Women with pre-eclampsia require close monitoring and treatment in a hospital setting to prevent complications.

Q: What is the importance of blood pressure monitoring in pre-eclampsia?

A: Blood pressure monitoring is crucial in pre-eclampsia. Regular blood pressure checks can help identify women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia and provide early intervention to prevent complications.

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through lifestyle changes?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a balanced diet
Getting enough rest and relaxation
Avoiding excessive weight gain

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in preventing pre-eclampsia?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in preventing pre-eclampsia. They should:

Provide regular antenatal care
Monitor blood pressure and urine protein
Educate women on the risks of pre-eclampsia and the importance of regular antenatal care
Provide early intervention to prevent complications

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through medication?

A: No, pre-eclampsia cannot be prevented through medication. However, medications may be used to treat pre-eclampsia and prevent complications.

Q: What is the prognosis for women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of hypertension?

A: Women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of hypertension are at increased risk of developing complications, such as:

Maternal mortality
Fetal growth restriction
Premature birth
Low birth weight

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through diet?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can be prevented through diet. Women should:

Eat a balanced diet
Avoid excessive salt intake
Avoid excessive sugar intake
Avoid excessive caffeine intake
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Q: What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing pre-eclampsia?

A: Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in preventing pre-eclampsia. They can help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through exercise?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can be prevented through exercise. Women should:

Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid excessive weight gain
Maintain a healthy weight
Get enough rest and relaxation

Q: What is the prognosis for women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of multiple pregnancies?

A: Women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of multiple pregnancies are at increased risk of developing complications, such as:

Maternal mortality
Fetal growth restriction
Premature birth
Low birth weight

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through stress reduction?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can be prevented through stress reduction. Women should:

Engage in stress-reducing activities (e.g., meditation, yoga)
Get enough rest and relaxation
Avoid excessive caffeine intake
Avoid excessive sugar intake

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in managing pre-eclampsia?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in managing pre-eclampsia. They should:

Provide regular antenatal care
Monitor blood pressure and urine protein
Educate women on the risks of pre-eclampsia and the importance of regular antenatal care
Provide early intervention to prevent complications

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through vitamin supplements?

A: No, pre-eclampsia cannot be prevented through vitamin supplements. However, vitamin supplements may be used to treat pre-eclampsia and prevent complications.

Q: What is the prognosis for women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of obesity?

A: Women with pre-eclampsia who have a history of obesity are at increased risk of developing complications, such as:

Maternal mortality
Fetal growth restriction
Premature birth
Low birth weight

Q: Can pre-eclampsia be prevented through lifestyle changes?

A: Yes, pre-eclampsia can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a balanced diet
Getting enough rest and relaxation
Avoiding excessive weight gain

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in educating women about pre-eclampsia?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating women about pre-eclampsia. They should:

Provide regular antenatal care
Monitor blood pressure and urine protein
Educate women on the risks of pre-eclampsia and the importance of regular antenatal care
Provide early intervention to prevent complications