PRE-ECLAMPSIA

What is it?

Pre-eclampsia is a disease of pregnancy - almost always the second half of pregnancy - in which your blood pressure rises and you usually get protein in your urine and, often, swelling of your ankles. It can cause complications for both you and your baby.

What causes it?

It is probably caused by your body responding in an abnormal way to your pregnancy.

Who gets it?

You can only get pre-eclampsia when you are pregnant. You are more at risk if you are over 35 or under 20 when you get pregnant.

You also have a higher chance of getting it if you are Afro-Caribbean, if you are having twins, if you or a close relative on your mother's side has had it before, if you are short, if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes, or if this is your first pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Pre-eclampsia often has no symptoms, and the problem is usually picked up during routine antenatal checking.

It is normal to get swollen ankles in the later stages of pregnancy, and there is nothing to worry about if you do not have raised blood pressure.

If it comes on rapidly, you may develop pain in the top of your stomach, vomiting, severe headache or blurred vision.

When should I go to my doctor?

If there is anything you are worried about during your pregnancy, it is worth talking to your GP about it. If you get any of the symptoms above, however - or if you notice that the baby is not moving as often as before - you should talk to your doctor as soon as you are able to.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

Your GP will examine you, checking your blood pressure and urine. If your GP is concerned, he or she will either arrange blood tests and an ultrasound scan of your baby, or have you admitted to hospital for tests and observation.

What is the short-term treatment?

If you develop pre-eclampsia, you may be sent to hospital for monitoring of your blood pressure and urine, and of the baby. If your blood pressure settles, you may be allowed to rest at home, but you will need frequent checks of your blood pressure and urine.

You may need to take medicine to bring down your blood pressure. if your blood pressure does not settle, you may be delivered early - either by Caesarean section or by having your labour induced.

Will I need long-term treatment?

There are many dangers associated with pre- eclampsia if it gets out of control, including you having a fit and your baby not getting enough blood, which can mean it will be small or could die. There is still a risk of you having a fit for about two days after your baby is delivered, so you may have to be monitored.

If you have had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, your risk of having it again is increased, so you may have to be more closely monitored.

How can I stop it getting worse?

You need regular checks during pregnancy - your doctor or midwife will tell you how often. You should rest if you are told to - this may help settle your blood pressure.