Palliser Primary Care Network

Pre-Eclampsia

Fay Golding
October 2, 2024

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is the most common of the serious complications of pregnancy. It is a condition that can affect pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from 20 weeks) or soon after their baby is delivered.

In the mother, the condition can cause problems – including raised blood pressure (hypertension) and leakage of protein in the urine (proteinuria) – which can lead to serious problems. The unborn baby may grow more slowly than normal or suffer decreased oxygen.

Who is at risk?

• More common in first pregnancies
• First pregnancy with a new partner
• Women with a strong family history
• Twin pregnancy
• Women over the age of 40
• A gap of 10 years since the last baby
• Several chronic medical problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes

What are the signs to look out for?

• Swelling in hands, feet or face
• Pain under your ribs
• Severe headaches
• Visual disturbances, e.g. flashing lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling unwell

Is there a cure?

The only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby and the placenta.

Is there treatment?

• Admission to hospital for monitoring
• Antihypertensive drugs, which reduce high blood pressure.
• Anticonvulsant drugs may also be prescribed to ward off eclamptic seizures

What can I do to reduce my risk?

• Attend all of your prenatal appointments
• Monitor your blood pressure at home, if it has been raised, and report any changes to your health provider
• Report any other worrying concerns to your health provider