Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome that can occur from 20 weeks of pregnancy, probably due to a change in the maternal blood flow between the uterus and the placenta. It is one of the main causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.
Early detection of pre-eclampsia is key to the survival of the mother and foetus.
Pre-eclampsia is a serious complication that occurs in 3-5% of pregnancies.
Sometimes pre-eclampsia has no symptoms.
Pre-eclampsia is characterised by:
High blood pressure, in women who previously had normal blood pressure
Oedema (build-up of fluid)
The presence of proteins in the urine in a higher concentration than normal (proteinuria)
Reduction in kidney function
Liver problems
Headaches
When is it appropriate to take the test?
This test is recommended for pregnant women who present the following risk factors:
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Kidney disease
Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
Lupus erythematosus
First pregnancy
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
Diabetes
Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets etc.)
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Obesity
The best way to prevent pre-eclampsia is to conduct appropriate monitoring with regular antenatal check-ups with a gynaecologist and a blood test. The recommended blood test is:
Pre-eclampsia prognosis test
If you have any queries about your test, you can contact our team at: [email protected] and [email protected]
