Pre-eclampsia
This can be a medical emergency. Seek urgent care in pregnancy for severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain or sudden swelling.
A pregnancy condition, usually after 20 weeks, with new high blood pressure and organ involvement caused by an abnormal placenta. It can progress to seizures (eclampsia) and endanger mother and baby.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Abnormal placental development releasing anti-angiogenic factors
Risk factors
- First pregnancy
- Previous pre-eclampsia
- Chronic hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, lupus
- Twins
- Age over 40
- Obesity
- IVF
Symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Protein in urine
- Severe headache
- Visual disturbance
- Pain below the ribs
- Sudden swelling of face, hands or feet
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Blood pressure and urine protein
- Blood tests (platelets, liver, kidney)
- PlGF-based tests
- Fetal monitoring
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Antihypertensives (labetalol, nifedipine)
- Magnesium sulphate to prevent seizures
- Steroids for the baby's lungs if preterm
Operations and procedures
- Delivery of the baby and placenta is the only cure
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Attend all antenatal checks
Possible complications
- Eclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
- Stroke
- Placental abruption
- Growth restriction and preterm birth
Prevention
- Low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks for women at increased risk
Outlook
Resolves after delivery; long-term cardiovascular risk is higher.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care in pregnancy for severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain or sudden swelling.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
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