All about pre-eclampsia

Friday, May 21, 2010

This condition is usually mild, but in 2 percent of cases both you and your baby can be at risk.

The causes

Pre-eclampsia usually develops during the second half of pregnancy and can even develop several days after birth.

It's caused by a defect in the placenta, which supplies your baby with food and oxygen. This means that your baby's blood supply is restricted and his supply of nutrients and oxygen reduced.

The disease also affects your circulation, which may lead to high blood pressure, protein in your urine and swelling in your hands, feet and face. In some cases, women who have pre-eclampsia can develop serious complications, including eclampsia (convulsions) - which is how the illness gets its name.

Who's at risk

You're most at risk if you're a first-time mum or pregnant for the first time by a new partner. Your risk is also increased if:

you are under 20 or over 35
a blood relative has had pre-eclampsia
you have high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or suffer from migraine
you are carrying more than one baby

How it's detected

High blood pressure and protein in the urine are often the first signs that you are developing pre-eclampsia so your midwife should take your blood pressure and test your urine at every antenatal appointment.

VIEW GALLERY: Bringing baby home

The treatment

If your blood pressure rises and more than a trace of protein is found in your urine, you and your baby will be closely monitored. After your baby is born, the condition will go away, although it can get worse for a few days before it gets better. Most mums and babies affected by pre-eclampsia make a full recovery.

Next time around

Women who have had pre-eclampsia have a one-in-20 chance of getting it again, so you'll probably be offered more frequent checks during your pregnancy. However, it's important to remember that your next pregnancy is likely to be perfectly normal.