There are many treatments and medications that can be used for woman experiencing pre-eclampsia. None of them cure the disorder, but aim to reduce the health effects and make the condition less life threatening for the woman and her baby.
Treatments can include:
Low dose aspirin
Antihypertensives
Magnesium sulphate
Fluid tablets or diuretics
Intravenous fluids
Epidurals
Ergometrine Injection
Low dose aspirin. Aspirin can reduce the clotting mechanism of the woman's blood. It has been used frequently over the last few years, in the belief that it prevented (or delayed) the development of pre-eclampsia, and reduced the severity of the condition. Aspirin was embraced enthusiastically, when a few small research studies showed positive results. In recent multi-research examinations low dose aspirin has been shown to be mildly effective in achieving this.
It is believed that using aspirin is relatively safe in pregnancy but there may be an increased risk of bleeding after the birth if it is continued to be used up until labour. Some women will experience light vaginal bleeding in the earlier weeks of their pregnancy, as a result of being on aspirin, which is an expected side effect.
Antihypertensives. Antihypertensives are medications that specifically reduce the blood pressure. They are usually given in tablet form to reduce the blood pressure to an acceptable level (less than 140 / 90). Often antihypertensives are started at low doses, and increased over a period of time, to reduce any side affects. Antihypertensives can also cross the placenta to the baby.
Pre-eclampsia has a pattern of becoming more severe over time. Because of this, the medication(s) may need to be continually increased and adjusted, with other medications being added, once the maximum dose of one type of medication is reached (or the side effects become significant). Antihypertensives are also used for women with essential hypertension.