Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication which affects the placenta, the organ that links your blood supply to your baby’s  

It is important to identify the signs of pre-eclampsia early so your doctors and midwives can monitor you and your baby  

While the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not clear, it is thought to be related to the placenta not developing properly.  Pre-eclampsia affects your blood vessels and causes your blood pressure to go up. If action is not taken, this can damage important organs such as your liver, your kidneys and affect how your blood clots.  

It also affects the way your baby’s placenta is working. If your baby doesn’t get enough blood through the placenta, his or her growth can be affected. If you develop pre-eclampsia, you may be advised that your baby needs to be delivered before they are full term.

Pre-eclampsia usually starts in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks of gestation) but sometimes can happen up to 6 weeks after the birth of the baby. Pre-eclampsia may not have any signs (symptoms) at first. This is why midwives regularly check blood pressure and test urine for protein even when pregnant women are well.  

It is important that the condition is diagnosed as soon as possible so the pregnancy can be monitored, and the right action taken. Although pre-eclampsia is usually mild, in some pregnancies it can lead to life-threatening problems for you and your baby. In severe cases pre-eclampsia can lead to fits (seizures) and in rare cases, death. 

For some, the chances of developing pre-eclampsia are higher than others. Your doctor or midwife will be able to tell you if you are at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia.  

If you are at higher risk, you will likely be prescribed low-dose aspirin by your doctor or midwife. Studies have shown that taking low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy can help to help prevent pre-eclampsia from happening.  

But low-dose aspirin does not help if you have already developed it. Pre-eclampsia can only be cured by delivery of the baby. This is why it is really important to try to prevent pre-eclampsia from happening in the first place 

If you have any one of these symptoms of pre-eclampsia, phone your maternity unit straightaway. Even if you don’t have pre-eclampsia, it’s important that you get checked out