Pre-eclampsia: the facts.
Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension, is thought to occur in 8-10 per cent of pregnancies, and 85 per cent of these are first-time pregnancies.
It is the most common form of maternal death in the UK, killing around 10 women a year, and also leads to the death of about 1,000 babies a year.
What are the symptoms?
Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure, increased swelling of the hands and feet and protein in the urine. Other symptoms include persistent headaches, blurred vision and flashing lights and abdominal pain on the right side of the body below the ribcage. Many women suffering from pre-eclampsia feel fine and only learn of the condition when their blood pressure is high. Pre-eclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks gestation but can occur earlier in some cases.
Am I at risk?
Pre-eclampsia can affect anyone, but those more at risk are mothers over 40, teenage mothers, or those who have diabetes, a history of blood pressure problems, kidney or rheumatology problems.
What is the treatment?
The causes of pre-eclampsia are uncertain, but research suggests it may be linked to an immune reaction to the foetus or the placenta. Pre-eclampsia is often hereditary. Women are advised to rest or take tablets to reduce their blood pressure. Delivery of the baby is the only cure and induction or a caesarean may be performed if you are severely affected and your baby may have to be delivered before term (which is 37 weeks). Pre-Eclampsia will probably take 48 hours after you have delivered your baby to subside. If early pre-eclampsia is detected you may be advised to have time off work and have complete bed rest, take blood pressure tablets and sometimes, hospitalisation is required.
Is there anything I can do?
Stress causes blood pressure to be raised, so try to eliminate anything too stressful from your life. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut down on sodium and fat in your diet and drink lots of water. Attend every check-up, as your midwife or GP will check your blood pressure and your urine for high levels of protein.
Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia can develop into Eclampsia which is a rare but serious condition, characterised by seizures and possibly coma. Urgent delivery of the baby is required and the mother will be treated with drugs to stop the seizures.
Will I have Pre-Eclampsia again with my next pregnancy?
If your first pregnancy was normal (apart from the pre-eclampsia), your risk of developing it again with your next pregnancy is very low. If however, there are other factors like a family history of high blood pressure, you have excess weight or you are an older mother, you will probably be monitored closely during your next pregnancy, just to be on the safe side. A study in Aberdeen, Scotland, revealed that 1 in 150 women whose blood pressures had been entirely normal in their first pregnancy, suffered from pre-eclampsia in a second pregnancy.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
All
Third Trimester articles are relevant to the UK medical health system
and may differ from the experience of having a baby in other countries.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 08/12/2008
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register