Pre-eclampsia Screening

Pre-eclampsia is a complication that develops during pregnancy. It can happen to any woman and in any pregnancy. It is a major life-threatening condition and is the second major cause of maternal deaths globally. Pregnant women need to undergo pre-eclampsia screening to help in early identification and to reduce complications that may arise from it. To understand pre-eclampsia, its risk, and how screening is necessary, read on.

What is Pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition where persistent high blood pressure develops for the first time in mid-pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks of gestation, or right after delivery. Pre-eclampsia may lead to complications of eclampsia, stroke, organ failure, etc. For the foetus, pre-eclampsia may lead to low birth weight, growth restrictions in the uterus, and stillbirth.

There is no reason to panic as many cases are mild. However, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if it's not monitored and treated. 

The Importance of Pre-eclampsia Screening 

Pre-eclampsia can quickly become a serious or even fatal condition for both the mother and the foetus. Pre-eclampsia screening will identify and diagnose the condition early and allow close monitoring resulting in a better outlook for the mother and baby. 

The Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia

The early indications of pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which will be detected by your doctor during your routine antenatal checkups.

Other signs include: 

• severe headache
• vision problems, like blurring, dark spots, or flashing
• pain just below the ribs
• vomiting
• swelling of the face, hands, or feet
• shortness of breath.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!

Methods of Pre-Eclampsia Screening

Blood pressure measurements 

This is the most important and reliable tool routinely used in pre-eclampsia screening. Persistent high blood pressure after several measurements is an indication of pre-eclampsia. 

Urine test

Usually, at every antenatal appointment, you will be asked to give a urine sample. This can be easily tested for protein levels. High levels of the protein indicate pre-eclampsia.

Blood tests

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, you may need to undergo a blood test that measures the levels of placental growth factor (PIGF), a protein. If your PIGF levels are high, likely, you do not have pre-eclampsia. However, low PIGF levels could lead to developing symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It is an important screening tool for predicting this condition.

Another blood test that may be conducted is to check pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), a biomarker that predicts later pre-eclampsia development and primarily early onset pre-eclampsia. Studies have shown a decrease of PAPP-A in the early second trimester of pregnancy in women who subsequently develop pre-eclampsia compared with women who do not develop pre-eclampsia. 

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is used to measure the placental blood flow in pre-eclampsia screening. The blood supply to the placenta might be decreased in pre-eclampsia. Also, an ultrasound will help your doctor check foetal growth. 

Pre-eclampsia screening is very important and should take place periodically throughout pregnancy during antenatal checkups. All pregnant women are at risk for pre-eclampsia and screening is necessary to avoid serious complications. Antenatal visits should be regular and if you screen positive for pre-eclampsia, you must follow your doctor’s advice completely.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.