Pre-eclampsia

Key Points

Overview

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy, typically from 20 weeks onward, or sometimes in the weeks following birth. It is characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine, which are usually detected during routine antenatal check-ups. The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not fully understood, but certain factors can increase a person's risk. While it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and baby, medical treatments are available to help manage the condition and reduce risks. There is currently no cure for pre-eclampsia, but symptoms generally resolve once the baby is born. Management focuses on careful monitoring, medication to control blood pressure, and sometimes early delivery to protect the health of both mother and child.

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe headache that doesn't go away
• Vision problems like blurred vision or flashing lights
• Pain below the ribs
• Sudden swelling of face, hands, or feet
• Feeling very unwell
• Heartburn that doesn't improve with medicine
• Being sick (vomiting)
• High blood pressure (detected by doctor)
• Protein in pee (detected by doctor)

Things That Increase the Risk

• Existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
• Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• First pregnancy
• Age 40 or over
• Being from a Black or South Asian ethnic background
• Pregnant with multiple babies (twins or triplets)
• Family history of pre-eclampsia
• 10 or more years since last pregnancy
• BMI of 35 or more before pregnancy

Diagnosis

• Regular blood pressure checks
• Pee tests to check for protein
• Blood tests for further evaluation
• Ultrasound scans to check baby's growth

Treatment & Management

• Regular monitoring of mother and baby
• Medication to lower blood pressure
• Hospital stay for severe cases
• Medicine to prevent seizures (e.g., magnesium sulfate)
• Early delivery of the baby (induction or C-section)
• Post-birth monitoring and blood pressure medication

Prevention

• Attend all routine antenatal appointments
• Take daily low-dose aspirin if advised by a doctor
• Take calcium supplements if advised
• Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Engage in regular, moderate exercise

Related Diseases

• Eclampsia
• HELLP syndrome
• Stroke
• Gestational Hypertension
• Chronic Hypertension
• Kidney disease

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Pre-eclampsia:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Pre-eclampsia: