Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy related condition that involves high blood pressure and signs of organ stress, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It typically affects the kidneys and liver. Left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, which involves dangerous seizures and is a medical emergency.
Pre-eclampsia affects roughly 5–8% of pregnancies worldwide, and while anyone can develop it, some women are at higher risk including those with a history of high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, first-time pregnancies, or a family history of pre-eclampsia.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to start in the placenta during early pregnancy. This is why careful monitoring from the first trimester is important for women who are at risk.
Common signs of pre-eclampsia:
- Sudden rise in blood pressure
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
- Protein detected in the urine
- Severe headaches
- Visual disturbances or blurred vision
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
Dr. N.S. Saradha monitors blood pressure closely at every antenatal visit and takes swift action if pre-eclampsia is suspected as part of comprehensive pregnancy-related condition care. The only true cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery, but with careful management, the pregnancy can often be safely prolonged until the baby is ready to be born.
Management may include:
- Blood pressure medications to keep levels safe
- Magnesium sulphate to prevent seizures if risk is high
- Close foetal monitoring with ultrasounds and CTG
- Hospital admission in moderate to severe cases
- Planned delivery at the right time to protect both mother and baby
Dr. Saradha's experience in managing high-risk pregnancies means that women with pre-eclampsia receive attentive, skilled care at every stage.