When blood pressure soars

• First time mothers – and those pregnant for the first time by a new partner
• Teenagers or those over 35
• Those with chronic medical problems, which include hypertension, kidney problems, diabetes, and, to a lesser extent, migraine.
• Those of short stature
• Those who are underweight
• Those carrying twins or multiple pregnancies
• Those with a past history of pre-eclampsia, especially if this was severe
• Those with a family history of pre-eclampsia
• Those with a Pregnancy-induced Hypertension (PIH) – see above.

We still don’t know why certain women develop the disease. Some researchers think that the placenta (after-birth) is at the root of the problem, although it is not known why this affects some pregnant women and not others. Scientists have detected a chemical in women with pre-eclampsia and, in the future, it may be possible to do an early blood test, well before symptoms occur, to alert doctors to the risk.

How can you reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia?

Many trials, using different drugs and supplements, have been carried out in an effort to prevent the disease.

• Halibut Liver Oil in one trial has been suggested – but there have been no promising results – and some people are concerned about its use.
• Increase of dietary Proteins has also been suggested – but is not encouraged by other researchers.
• Calcium/Vitamin C & E supplements in early pregnancy have had some early, encouraging results, it seems.
• Low Dose Aspirin has possibly shown a preventative effect, and some think that it certainly has a place – but other research does not support this finding.

Pre-eclampsia cannot be predicted, reliably prevented, or treated.

Because pre-eclampsia is known to be associated with serious dysfunction of the placenta, doctors and midwives are concerned about the health of the baby, when it happens. Ultimately, the only treatment is delivery of the baby, which could, of course, in some cases put the baby at severe risk from ‘prematurity’. If you do develop pre-eclampsia, you will be asked to have more regular checks of both your blood pressure and your urine. You may be encouraged to bed-rest at home or even be admitted to hospital – or referred to the Day Unit of the antenatal department – for further observation and monitoring.

These checks could consist of:

• 4-6 hourly blood pressure measurements
• 24-hour urine collection – in order to measure the amount of protein
• Routine blood samples – in order to determine the severity of the disease,
• Ultrasound – to determine your baby’s growth and monitor your baby’s heart to watch for signs of distress.