Pre-eclampsia (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension)

Pre-eclampsia is a complex disorder occurring in about 10% of women, between the twentieth week of pregnancy (usually first pregnancies) and the first week following the birth of their baby. Characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure), possible, sudden weight gain, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and oedema (fluid retention causing swelling), the cause remains unknown, however those with pre-existing diabetes or cardiovascular conditions are thought to be at greatest risk. This potentially serious condition affects many body parts, including that of the placenta, which when affected could damage the baby's health and retard normal growth.

Without treatment, Pre-eclampsia usually results in eclampsia, which is generally pre-eclampsia in its gravest form - left untreated this is often fatal.

Marked by high blood pressure, fluid retention, protein in the urine, grand mal convulsions and coma, eclampsia occurs in approximately 0,2% of pregnancies.
 

Prevention:

Pre-eclampsia is a particularly sinister disease, in that, in its early stages a woman may be totally unaware of its presence. And, it is usually only by checking blood pressure and testing the urine for the presence of protein that the existence of the disease may be revealed. The detection of pre-eclampsia is therefore one of the most important reasons for regular antenatal check-ups.

Treatment:

Many drugs may be necessary to improve the health of both mother and baby and to slow the progress of the disorder. However, ending the pregnancy, by the premature delivery of the baby, for the sake of the mother's health, may be vital in halting the disease. Anti-hypertensive and anti-convulsant therapy may need to be continued until after the baby is born, as pre-eclampsia does not usually resolve immediately upon delivery.