When blood pressure soars

What are the other symptoms and signs of pre-eclampsia?

As well as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia can cause:

• Protein in the urine (Proteinuria) - because the kidneys have been affected by the disease, and protein 'leaks' away in the urine.
• Sudden or severe swelling (Oedema) affecting feet, hands or even the face. Some swelling in the feet is normal in pregnancy. This usually appears at the end of the day, and settles after a night's bed rest. The swelling of pre-eclampsia is often associated with:
• Excessive weight gain
• Severe headache and/or dizziness
• Visual disturbances - seeing 'spots' or 'flashing lights'
• Pain in the right, upper abdomen - which may indicate liver involvement
• Vomiting late in pregnancy.

Who is at risk?

First time mothers - and those pregnant for the first time by a new partner
• Teenagers and 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.

What causes the disease?

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.

Other theories include insufficient blood flow to the uterus, hormone imbalances, immune activation and lack of magnesium, calcium or selenium.

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.

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