Pre eclampsia awareness

Overview

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It involves high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, often the kidneys. It needs careful monitoring to keep both mother and baby safe.

Yes, pre-eclampsia is fairly common, affecting around 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide.

It affects pregnant women, typically after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and can also occur shortly after childbirth. First-time mothers are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Protein in urine (proteinuria)
• Swelling of hands, feet, or face (oedema)

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is unknown but thought to involve problems with the placenta
• Poor blood supply to the placenta may lead to the release of substances that damage blood vessels

Risk factors

• First pregnancy
• History of pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Family history of pre-eclampsia
• Age over 40
• Obesity (BMI over 35)
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Pre-existing high blood pressure or kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Certain autoimmune conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any symptoms of severe pre-eclampsia such as severe headache, vision changes, or abdominal pain — call your midwife or maternity unit immediately, or call emergency services

Book a routine appointment if:

• Attend all antenatal appointments where blood pressure and urine are checked
• Report any unusual swelling, rapid weight gain, or feeling unwell to your midwife

Diagnosis

Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed during antenatal checks by measuring blood pressure and testing urine for protein. Further tests may be done to assess organ function.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measurement
• Urine test for protein (dipstick test or 24-hour collection)
• Blood tests to check kidney and liver function, and platelet count
• Ultrasound to check baby's growth and well-being
• Fetal heart rate monitoring

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare team will monitor you closely, often with more frequent appointments or a short hospital stay. They will check your blood pressure, urine, and run blood tests to see how your organs are working.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is and how far along you are in pregnancy. The main goal is to deliver the baby when safe, while managing blood pressure and preventing complications.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as possible, lying on your left side to improve blood flow
• Monitor blood pressure if advised
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Attend all check-ups

Medical treatments

Medication may be given to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures. If pre-eclampsia is severe or the baby is at risk, early delivery may be necessary. You may be given steroids to help baby’s lungs develop if delivery is planned before 34 weeks.

When is surgery considered?

If delivery is needed, it may be induced (started with medication) or done by caesarean section, depending on your and your baby's condition.

Living with this condition

If you have pre-eclampsia, you may need to take things slowly. Rest is important. Your healthcare team will guide you on activity levels. You may need to limit work and avoid heavy lifting.

Lifestyle tips

• Monitor for symptoms
• Keep a blood pressure diary if advised
• Avoid stress and get plenty of rest
• Stay in touch with your midwife or doctor

Diet and exercise

Eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Low salt may be suggested but not proven to prevent pre-eclampsia. Gentle exercise like walking is usually fine unless advised otherwise. Always check with your healthcare team.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia can be worrying. You may feel anxious about your health and your baby's. Talk to your midwife or doctor about your feelings. Support from partner, family, and friends is important. If you feel very anxious or depressed, seek help.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent pre-eclampsia, but some measures may reduce risk. Low-dose aspirin is sometimes recommended for women at high risk — this should be discussed with your doctor. You cannot prevent it with diet or lifestyle alone.

Screening programmes

Blood pressure and urine checks at every antenatal visit are the main screening. For women at high risk, additional monitoring may be offered.

Complications

If left untreated

• Eclampsia (seizures)
• Stroke
• Organ damage (kidney, liver)
• Blood clotting problems
• Placental abruption (placenta separates from uterus)
• Poor growth of baby
• Preterm birth
• Stillbirth

Long-term outlook

With early detection and proper care, most women with pre-eclampsia have a good outcome. The condition usually resolves after delivery. Your health will be monitored after birth. Most babies do well, especially if born near term. If complications occur, treatment is available.

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