Pre-eclampsia - Pregnancy-Related Condition

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to the liver and kidneys, requiring medical monitoring.
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Pregnancy Health | Maternal Care | Blood Pressure Monitoring | Pregnancy Hypertension | Prenatal Complications
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Pre-eclampsia FAQ


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What causes pre-eclampsia?

Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it's thought to occur when there's a problem with the placenta, the organ that links the baby's blood supply to the mother's. If you're diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you should be referred for an assessment by a specialist, usually in hospital.

When does pre-eclampsia occur?

Pre-eclampsia rarely happens before the 20th week of pregnancy. Although less common, the condition can also develop for the first time in the first 4 weeks after birth. Most people only experience mild symptoms, but it's important to manage the condition in case severe symptoms or complications develop.

What is pre-eclampsia & how is it diagnosed?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects between 1-5 in 100 pregnant women. It is usually diagnosed in the second half of pregnancy, during labour or soon after you have given birth. Signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine (proteinuria).

What is pre-eclampsia & how does it affect a pregnant woman?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from 20 weeks) or soon after their baby is delivered. Early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine (proteinuria).

When does pre-eclampsia come on?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition where you have high blood pressure (hypertension) and lose too much protein from your kidneys into your urine. Pre-eclampsia usually comes on some time after the 20th week of your pregnancy and is usually gone within six weeks of you giving birth. Pre-eclampsia can cause complications for the mother and baby.

Is eclampsia a life threatening condition?

There's a risk that the mother will develop fits called "eclampsia". These fits can be life threatening for the mother and baby, but they're rare. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from around 20 weeks) or soon after their baby is delivered.

Pre-eclampsia References

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