Pre-eclampsia
Silent Killer
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is it?
Pre-eclampsia is the most common complication associated with pregnancy. Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and may develop other symptoms and problems. The more severe the pre-eclampsia, the greater the risk of serious complications to both mother and baby.
Alternative names are:
• Pre-Eclamptic Toxaemia (PET) • Toxaemia
EPH Gestosis
Metabolic Toxaemia of Late Pregnancy.
Who is affected?
Pre-eclampsia affects up to 5% of pregnancies, and severe cases develop in about 1-2% of pregnancies.
There are a number of things that can increase your chances of developing pre-eclampsia, such as:
- if it is your first pregnancy
- if you developed the condition during a previous pregnancy
- if you have a family history of the condition
- if you are over 40 years old
- if you are expecting multiple babies (twins or triplets)
What causes pre-eclampsia?
Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it is thought to occur when there is a problem with the placenta (the organ that links the baby's blood supply to the mother's).
Treating pre-eclampsia
Treating pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia can only be cured by delivering the baby. If you have pre-eclampsia, you will be closely monitored until it is possible to deliver the baby.
Once diagnosed, you will be referred to a hospital specialist for further assessment and any necessary treatment.
If you only have high blood pressure without any signs of pre-eclampsia, you can usually return home afterwards and will attend regular (possibly daily) follow-up appointments.
If pre-eclampsia is confirmed, you will usually need to stay in hospital until your baby can be delivered.
Complications of pre-eclampsia
Although they are rare, a number of complications can develop if pre-eclampsia is not diagnosed and monitored.
These can affect both the mother and her baby.
Problems affecting the baby
Babies of women with pre-eclampsia tend to develop more slowly in the womb than normal because the condition reduces the amount of nutrients and oxygen passed from the mother to her baby. This means that these babies are often smaller than usual, particularly if the pre-eclampsia occurs before 37 weeks. Some babies of women with pre-eclampsia can even die in the womb and be stillborn. It's estimated that around 1,000 babies die each year because of pre-eclampsia. Most of these babies die because of complications related to early delivery.
Pre Eclampsia - The silent Killer
- Pre eclampsia Awareness Campaign 2015 - Awareness Saves Lifes!!!
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this leaflet and all our publications both on Facebook and our website is intended solely to provide general guidance for the personal use of the reader.
Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the information contained in this site has been obtained from reliable sources, its accuracy or pertinence to each individual situation cannot be guaranteed.
It is provided with the understanding that the publishers of this leaflet are not able to provide professional advice or answers to specific medical enquries from individuals. It should never be used as a replacement for seeking advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional.
If you are urgently concerned about your health, contact your health provider or Midwifery team.