Preeclampsia

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition which develops in the second half of a pregnancy and always resolves with the delivery of the baby. It develops due to problems with the development of the placenta.
Women may have high blood pressure, liver and blood count abnormalities, proteinuria (increased protein excretion in urine). They may have headaches, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and be generally unwell.

What are the symptoms?

Complications of pre-eclampsia may be eclampsia (seizures), foetal growth restriction (baby not growing to its potential), and placental abruption, bleeding problems, kidney and liver failure.

Treatment

If pre-eclampsia is confirmed you will need hospital admission and an early delivery. A vaginal delivery is preferred if there are no contraindications.
You may need blood pressure medications, and sometimes a magnesium sulphate infusion for the prevention of seizures. Pre eclampsia may recur in subsequent pregnancies.