Pre Eclampsia
What is Pre-Eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder. It is characterised by persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy (usually from 20 weeks) or postpartum period (up to 6 weeks postpartum).
With careful management, most pregnancies with pre-eclampsia will have good outcomes, but complications include problems with the growth of the baby, kidney and liver damage.
Key Stats
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HPD) affects 5-10% all pregnancies worldwide. This includes pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) and gestational hypertension.
- HPDs are the leading cause of maternal and infant death across the globe.
- Approximately 76,000 women and 500,000 babies die each year worldwide from pre-eclampsia.
- Black women are 3x more likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have severe outcomes.
- 60% of maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia are preventable.
Symptoms
- Severe headaches
- Welling in hands and face
- Visual issues
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach or abdomen pain
- Sudden weight gain
- Shortness of breath
Management
Pre-eclampsia can develop from 20 weeks of pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after childbirth. High blood pressure can usually be controlled by antihypertensive medication. The risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Please note that all these may help decrease rates of pre-eclampsia but should be consulted with a healthcare professional prior to action.
What We Offer?
Our Consultant Obstetrician, Mr Daniel Stott, specialises in the management of pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia. He helps provide mothers with post-natal care and can address any concerns mothers have during or post pregnancy. Learn more about out Private Obstetric Services on the dedicated page.
He also runs a pre-eclampsia clinic at his NHS post at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Mr Stott has published an MD on haemodynamics in hypertensive pregnancies at King’s College London and has published widely in pre-eclampsia.
Awareness
We want to do our part in raising awareness and supportive ongoing research to #MoveResearchForward. Let’s work together to help prevent pre-eclampsia and improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.
If you require any more information on pre-eclampsia, please check out the Pre-Eclampsia Foundation.