Posted by NHS Choices on June 14, 2017 · Leave a Comment
In this brief video, NHS Midwife Suzanne Barber explains the warning signs of pre-eclampsia. Find out more about pre-eclampsia here
Editor’s Note: Video Highlights
- Pre-eclampsia usually affects women in the 2nd half of their pregnancy. If left untreated it can put both the mother’s and the baby’s health at risk as it could lead to your child being born prematurely or failing to grow as expected in the womb.
- Early indication are often detected by your community midwife or GP (*family doctor) during an ante-natal (*prenatal) check. Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure and protein in their urine.
- Pre-eclampsia could come on quickly. If it does, symptoms may include:
Swelling: face, hands, ankles- Severe headaches that don’t go away
- Visual disturbances
- Upper abdominal pain
- You are more at risk of pre-eclampsia if you:
- Are overweight
- Have had kidney disease
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- If you are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you will have more active antenatal care and will be monitored more closely, however if there is cause for concern, you may need to be admitted to the hospital, and it may be advised that you have your baby earlier than expected.
- Your GP or midwife may advise you if supplements can help lower your risk of pre-eclampsia.
- If you feel unwell and experience any of the symptoms described above, see a midwife or GP.
Editor’s Note: *clarification provided for our US readers.
