What is pre-eclampsia in pregnancy and what can cause it? It is important that you are aware of what signs and symptoms you should be looking out for.
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can affect some pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy or directly after birth. It can affect both the mother and the unborn child.
It is most likely to develop after 27 weeks but may begin before that. Pre-eclampsia affects around 6% of all pregnancies. It is typically diagnosed at your routine prenatal checks.
What Is The Cause Of Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is thought to occur when the placenta is not working correctly. It can cause the blood flow through the placenta to be reduced which means that not enough oxygen is carried to the baby.
You are considered at a greater risk of developing pre-eclampsia if:
- You are aged 40 or over
- You had high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- There is a history of pre-eclampsia in your family
- Your body mass index is over 35
- You weigh over 90kg
- This is your first pregnancy
- This is your first pregnancy with a new partner
- This is your first pregnancy in 10 years or more
- You have pre-existing condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney problems
- You have an autoimmune condition
- You are having a multiple pregnancy
If any or more than one of these apply to you your doctor may monitor more closely or recommend you take aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Pre-eclampsia In Pregnancy
The main symptoms of mild pre-eclampsia are raised blood pressure and protein in your urine. These things will generally be found at your prenatal checks.
If you develop more severe pre-clampsia symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling generally unwell
- Severe headache
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face
- Vision problems like blurring and flashes in front of eyes
- Heartburn that does not resolve
- Pain just below the ribs
There is a more severe type of pre-eclampsia called HELLP syndrome which is more likely to occur directly after the birth of your baby. Although it can develop in late pregnancy.
Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Upper abdominal pain
- Problems with vision
- Raised levels of liver enzymes
- Low blood count
- Disintegration of red blood cells
Treatment For Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy can only be resolved by the birth of your baby and the placenta. If you have a mild case the general health of you and your baby will be closely monitored for the remainder of your pregnancy with a focus on managing your blood pressure. You may be given medication to help control this.
Even if your pre-eclampsia is mild it is not recommended that you go over your due date. If you have not had your baby by this time then your labor will be induced. Depending on your doctor and your blood pressure you may be induced any time from 34 weeks onward.
If your pre-eclampsia is severe you will usually be admitted to hospital where you will be closely monitored. Tests you may receive include:
- Urine tests
- Blood pressure tests
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound scans to check your baby
- Fetal heart monitoring
In severe cases the baby will be induced any time after 34 weeks if the doctors feel it is unsafe for you to carry to term. If they cannot control your blood pressure or your baby is in distress.
If you are less than 34 weeks doctors will weigh up the risks of the pre-eclampsia against the risks of a premature birth before making the decision to induce you.
After your baby is born you will most likely make a full recovery from pre-eclampsia. After you return home your blood pressure will still be closely monitored although it should return to normal in just a few weeks.
Always ask your healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.
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