What is Pre-eclampsia?

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition affecting pregnant women (you’ll sometimes see it written as preeclampsia or pre eclampsia, too). It’s characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and, in Australia, affects around 2.7 per cent of pregnancies. It generally begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and if left untreated, can be life threatening for the mother and the baby. Antenatal visits are essential for identifying the problem and treating it.

What are the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia?

The signs of pre-eclampsia in the early stages can be hard to spot because you may not feel any different to normal. Tests though may reveal you have these symptoms:

• High blood pressure

• Protein in the urine (should be checked for at antenatal check-ups)

Later stage pre-eclampsia symptoms may include:

• Headaches

• Blurred vision

• Seeing flashing lights

• Feelings of illness

• Fluid retention in the face, hands, feet, or other parts of the body.

• Abdomen pain

• Vomiting or nausea

• Producing less urine

• Difficulty drawing breath

• The slow growth of your unborn baby (‘intra-uterine growth restriction’)

Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy can cause complications with the kidney, liver and brain, and in a small number of cases lead to pre-term birth. If it is not treated, it can develop into eclampsia, which is characterised by seizures.

What causes pre-eclampsia and its risk factors?

No one knows what causes pre-eclampsia and eclampsia but you are at higher risk if you fall into any of the following categories.

• Mothers under 20 years of age

• Mothers over 40

• First-time mothers

• First nations mothers

• You have a family history of pre-eclampsia

• You’re carrying multiple babies

When to see a healthcare provider?

Given no one knows what causes pre-eclampsia, it is difficult to predict who will get it and how to reduce your risk. The best thing you can do is to have regular antenatal appointments, starting from 6-8 weeks. The medical team can do a risk assessment for pre-eclampsia and will monitor your blood pressure throughout your pregnancy. To find out what other essential health checks you need, read the first trimester - what to expect.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

On your first antenatal appointment, ask your doctor about your personal risk factors for pre-eclampsia and what pre-eclampsia symptoms to watch out for. If you are diagnosed with it, you need to talk about pre-eclampsia treatments and if there is anything you can do to help manage the condition. Finally, it’s worth asking about how this diagnosis might affect future pregnancies.

How to manage pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?

If you notice any pre-eclampsia signs, you need to see a doctor immediately. If you’re then diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Your doctor may recommend a series of treatment options.

Monitoring

You’ll need to have regular check-ups with your doctor who will test your blood pressure and urine. You may be told to rest at home or, in more serious cases, you will be admitted to hospital to be monitored.

Medications

In some cases, you may be given blood pressure medication or anti-seizure medication to help control the condition.

Delivery

The only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivering your baby and the placenta, so your doctor may recommend an induced labour and premature birth. Your doctor will also want you to have regular check-ups after the birth to monitor you for postpartum pre-eclampsia – this is rare and can develop after birth even if you didn't have pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.