Pre-eclampsia often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy (after the 20th week). It's also sometimes referred to as pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET) or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). If left unrecognised and untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to slow fetal growth due to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, and hence a low birthweight baby. It can eventually develop into the potentially life-threatening complication of eclampsia.

Blood Pressure

Although it's still not quite clear how pre-eclampsia is caused, suggestions have been made that it may arise due to problems with the immune response to pregnancy, in particular, how completely the placenta implants onto the lining of the womb. It also seems to have a genetic basis, but most commonly arises in first pregnancies without any predisposing risk factors.

Pre-eclampsia occurs in 5-10% of pregnant women and is usually seen in women who are having their first baby, especially in women over 35, and in women with a multiple pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure (or a family history of elevated blood pressure) or a kidney condition. There's also a higher risk of pre-eclampsia, if other women in your family have had this problem.

It's characterised by:

*high blood pressure
*the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) due to kidney damage
*swelling (oedema or water retention) due to excess fluid retention (or accumulation) in the hands, face and feet.

Additionally, you may experience:

*headaches
*nausea
*vomiting
*pain in the abdominal area
*visual disturbances such as blurred or dimmed vision
*sudden weight gain
*dizziness intolerance of bright lights
*drowsiness
*confusion
*restlessness.

The condition can vary in severity, and some women may not have any symptoms at all. While most cases of this are mild and don't lead to any problems, in some cases the condition can become serious for both the woman and her baby. In fact, the earlier that pre-eclampsia appears during pregnancy, the more severe it's likely to be. As such, although you'll be examined for various signs of pre-eclampsia during your antenatal visits (blood pressure and urine checks), it's important that you're also aware of the warning signs and report them to your healthcare professional if you notice them.

Treatment for pre-eclampsia varies, depending on how severe the condition is. If you have a mild form of pre-eclampsia, then bed rest may be all that is necessary. Antihypertensive drugs may be given to lower your blood pressure. You'll also be monitored on a regular basis to keep a check on your liver and kidney function. Ultrasound scanning may also be used to check your baby's growth and Doppler scanning to check his/her blood supply. In more severe cases, however, or if you're close to your delivery date, then delivery via induction or caesarean section may be the safest and most effective option.

For more pregnancy information and expert advice, please visit Ireland's largest and most trusted resource, http://www.eumom.ie.