The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
OVERVIEW
Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication, affecting 3-8% of pregnancies worldwide. It usually develops during the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks) or soon after the baby is delivered. Early signs of pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine (proteinuria).
Unfortunately, most women don’t notice these early symptoms, which highlights the importance of regular antenatal check-ups. During these appointments, your doctor should pick up these warning signs and begin managing your condition. The earlier pre-eclampsia is diagnosed and treated, the better the prospects for both you and your baby.
While pre-eclampsia is mild in the majority of cases, if left untreated, a woman can progress to severe pre-eclampsia or to full eclampsia very quickly. This increases her risk of damage to her kidneys, liver, brain, and other organ and blood systems, as well as her risk of premature birth and pregnancy loss. In very severe cases, seizures can cause the death of the mother and/or her child.
PRE-ECLAMPSIA IN SOUTH AFRICA
Pre-eclampsia is the leading cause of maternal death in South Africa, accounting for almost a third of all maternal deaths. Pre-eclampsia is also a major cause of infant deaths in our country, with some studies finding over 20% of babies affected.
MoreRISK FACTORS FOR PRE-ECLAMPSIA
You are more likely to have pre-eclampsia if:
- You’ve had pre-eclampsia before
- You’re pregnant with more than 1 baby (twins, triplets, or more)
- You have certain chronic health conditions, e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or an autoimmune disease like lupus.
SYMPTOMS OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA
While hypertension and proteinuria are the most common signs of pre-eclampsia, in some cases, further symptoms can develop, including:
- A severe headache that won’t go away
- Changes in vision, such as blurring or seeing spots
- Pain just below the ribs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heightened states of confusion or anxiety
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Sudden weight gain
- Trouble breathing
CAUSES OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it’s thought to occur when there’s a problem with the placenta function in early pregnancy. This causes an excessive inflammatory reaction throughout the whole body, narrowing blood vessels and affecting kidney function, and ultimately leading to hypertension and proteinuria.
LOWERING YOUR RISK FOR PRE-ECLAMPSIA
While pre-eclampsia can’t be prevented completely, you can lower your risk by taking steps to manage your blood pressure and other risk factors.
COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PRE-ECLAMPSIA
If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can be potentially fatal to both you and your baby. It can cause severe kidney and liver damage and interfere with your brain function.
The most serious complication for pregnant women is eclampsia, a rare but extremely dangerous development which causes seizures and requires emergency medical care. These seizures can cause confusion and disorientation or put the pregnant woman in a coma. In some cases, it can lead to stroke or death. In most cases, pre-eclampsia is managed before it progresses to eclampsia.
MoreTREATMENT FOR PRE-ECLAMPSIA
Mild pre-eclampsia usually does not require treatment, but you will be regularly checked by your healthcare provider to make sure your symptoms do not become more severe.
If your pre-eclampsia does become more severe, you may be admitted to hospital so that you and your baby can be carefully evaluated and closely monitored. If your blood pressure rises above 160/110, you may be given antihypertensive medication.
In very severe cases, pre-term delivery (delivery before 38 weeks) may be necessary. However, as long as your pre-eclampsia isn’t putting your life in danger, your healthcare provider will want you to remain pregnant for as long as possible.
Ultimately, the only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery. But your healthcare provider will still want to monitor you for several weeks after delivery to make sure your symptoms go away.
FURTHER READING
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