Skip to content

Content

Home
Conditions
Pre-eclampsia

Author's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
  • Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr. Benedetto Oluwaseun Osunwusi
  • MBBS, MWACS, FMCOG Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
  • The Premier Specialists' Medical Centre Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Date Published: 2025-04-22
  • Date Updated: 2025-04-22

Pre-eclampsia

Introduction

Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition that typically happens in the 2nd half of pregnancy i.e after 20 weeks whereby the blood pressure is high and there is protein in the urine. It can cause damage to other organs, but it most especially affects the liver and the kidneys. It is a condition that is usually due to affectation of placenta in the early stage of pregnancy that manifest later on during pregnancy. 95% of death among women in reproductive age is found in people living in low- and middle-income settings.  

Discussion

Symptoms, besides high blood pressure and the presence of excess protein in your urine, may include rapid weight gain over just a few days due to fluid retention, pain in the upper abdomen (particularly on the right side), intense headaches, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blurred vision.

Who are those at risk of having pre-eclampsia?

  • Twin pregnancy
  • First time pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • High blood pressure before pregnancy
  • Extremes of age: Adolescent pregnancy and pregnancy at 35 years or more
  • Others include A pregnancy occurring more than 10 years after your previous one, a family history of preeclampsia (such as your mother or sister having experienced it), or conception through assisted reproductive methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Conclusion

Preeclampsia ranks among the top causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy. It is crucial to discuss any concerns regarding your blood pressure with your doctor. They should monitor your blood pressure during every antenatal appointment.

 

References
  1. Maternal mortality https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
  2. WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia 2 November2011https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241548335
  3. Managing eclampsia Midwifery education module5https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/managing-eclampsia-midwifery-education-module-5 11 February 2008