PRE-ECLAMPSIA

→Pre-eclampsia is a condition present in second half of pregnancy or up to 6 weeks after birth. It is

usually diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.  

→Risk factors for pre-eclampsia are having the first pregnancy, family history, condition being present

in the previous pregnancy, age over 40 and pregnancy of multiple babies such as twins.

→The exact cause of pre-eclampsia remains unclear; however, it is thought to be

associated with placenta not developing well and being damaged due to problems or

insufficiency of the vessels delivering blood.  

→The signs for pre-eclampsia are detection of protein in urine or high blood pressure.

  WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

  You might experience flashing lights, hand and feet

swelling, headaches and abdominal pain.  

→The signs of pre-eclampsia in baby is slow growth because sufficient oxygen and nutrients is not

travelling through the cord to baby.  

→After the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, management involves monitoring of the

condition and delivering the baby. Medications could be prescribed to decrease the blood

pressure. Labetalol is known to be safe to use in pregnancy. Delivery will be planned for the 37th or 38th week of the pregnancy; however,

earlier delivery is possible in severe conditions.  

→ Untreated pre-eclampsia could lead to severe complications in mother such as fits

(eclampsia), liver clotting disorder (HELLP syndrome), stroke, kidney failure or liver

failure; and, still birth or distress conditions related to premature birth in the baby.