Pre-eclampsia: knowing the signs could save a life
On this week's Word on Health radio report, we're raising awareness of pre-eclampsia – a potentially serious complication of pregnancy that can affect both mother and baby.
To find out more about this important condition, we spoke to Abbie Harris, Executive Director of Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC), about recognising the warning signs, the importance of antenatal checks and why women and their families should never ignore symptoms that could indicate a problem. (You can hear our radio report again at the bottom of this page)
What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure. It usually develops from around 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, although it can also develop shortly after a baby is born.I
n its early stages, there may be no obvious symptoms. This is why routine antenatal checks are so important. Blood pressure and urine are checked during pregnancy because they can identify signs that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Pre-eclampsia can be mild, but in some cases it can become severe and lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. These can include seizures (eclampsia), stroke, HELLP syndrome, problems affecting the liver and kidneys, impaired growth of the baby and premature birth.
Know the warning signs. Although pre-eclampsia does not always cause noticeable symptoms, there are important warning signs to be aware of. These can include:
These symptoms can have other causes, but during pregnancy they should not be ignored. The NHS advises seeking urgent medical help if you are pregnant or have recently given birth and experience symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
Why are routine pregnancy checks so important? One of the difficulties with pre-eclampsia is that you can feel perfectly well while changes are developing.
That's why antenatal appointments matter. Blood pressure and urine checks can help identify potential problems before symptoms become obvious. If a midwife or doctor suspects pre-eclampsia, further assessment may include blood tests and scans to monitor the health and growth of the baby.
Don't miss your antenatal appointments – they are an important opportunity to identify problems early.
Who is at greater risk? Pre-eclampsia can affect any pregnancy, but some people have a higher risk. Risk factors include having:
The NHS also identifies higher risk among people from Black or South Asian ethnic backgrounds.
If someone is considered to be at higher risk, their maternity team can discuss additional monitoring and, where appropriate, preventive treatment. This can include low-dose aspirin from around 12 weeks of pregnancy, but aspirin should only be taken on the advice of a midwife, doctor or other healthcare professional.
Can pre-eclampsia happen after the baby is born? Yes. Pre-eclampsia is generally associated with the second half of pregnancy, but it can sometimes first appear after delivery. This is an important message because someone who has recently given birth may assume that pregnancy-related complications are now behind them.
If you have recently given birth and develop symptoms such as a severe headache, visual disturbances, nausea or vomiting, or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical advice.
How is pre-eclampsia treated? There is currently no treatment that simply switches off pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Treatment focuses on controlling the mother's blood pressure, monitoring both mother and baby, and deciding when it is safest for the baby to be born.
Depending on how severe the condition is, someone may need closer monitoring, medication to lower blood pressure, hospital care and medication to reduce the risk of seizures.
In some cases, the safest option is for the baby to be born early. The timing depends on the severity of the condition, how far the pregnancy has progressed and the health of both mother and baby.
The message for mums-to-be. Perhaps the most important message is a simple one: Know the signs. Don't ignore symptoms. And don't be afraid to ask for help.
If you're pregnant and something doesn't feel right, contact your midwife, maternity unit or GP and explain your symptoms. If you have recently given birth and develop symptoms that could indicate pre-eclampsia, seek urgent medical advice.
You don't need to diagnose yourself. It's much better to get checked and be reassured than to ignore a warning sign.
Find out more: Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) provides information, support and resources for families affected by pre-eclampsia, as well as education and support for healthcare professionals (web link on our links page). Its confidential helpline is 01386 761 848, open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–4pm.
For medical advice during pregnancy, contact your midwife, maternity unit or GP. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and have symptoms of pre-eclampsia, seek urgent medical help.
Listen to this weeks radio report
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