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Pre-eclampsia

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goodtoknow says: pre-eclampsia is a common condition that happens in pregnancy, after 20 weeks. Around 1 in 14 pregnant women get pre-eclampsia, first time mums are particularly prone. Pre-eclampsia causes high blood pressure and protein in your urine and is thought to be due to a problem with the placenta (after birth). Symptoms can be vague but include headaches, blurred vision, stomach pain under the ribs and vomiting . The only cure is to deliver the baby, however medication and rest may be advised and delivery postponed if the pre-eclampsia is mild.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of pre-eclampsia from patient.co.uk, read on

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and may develop other symptoms and problems. The more severe the pre-eclampsia, the greater the risk of serious complications to both mother and baby. Pre-eclampsia is thought to be due to a problem with the afterbirth (placenta), and so delivering the baby early is the usual treatment. Medication may be advised to help prevent complications.

What are pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs during pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure, protein leaks from the kidneys into the urine, and other symptoms may develop (see below). It usually develops sometime after the 20th week of pregnancy. The severity of pre-eclampsia can vary. Serious complications may affect the mother, the baby, or both. The more severe the condition becomes, the greater the risk that complications will develop.

Eclampsia is a type of seizure (convulsion) which is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. About 1 in 100 women with pre-eclampsia develop eclampsia. So, most women with pre-eclampsia do not progress to have eclampsia. However, a main aim of treatment and care of women with pre-eclampsia is to prevent eclampsia and other possible complications (listed below).