What is pre-eclampsia? Learn its causes, symptoms and treatment options

As an expectant mother, you will naturally hope that both you and your baby can safely get through the entire pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, an expectant mother may experience various conditions, ranging from simple changes in body shape to more serious illnesses. If you develop pre-eclampsia, it may also affect your baby, so it should not be overlooked. What exactly is pre-eclampsia? What are its symptoms? Are there any warning signs? How does it affect your baby? In this article, 10Life explains the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of pre-eclampsia for all expectant mothers, helping you enjoy a more reassuring pregnancy. 

Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxæmia of pregnancy, is a serious pregnancy complication that usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. In Hong Kong, the incidence of pre-eclampsia is approximately 1 in 1,000, so it is not common, but expectant mothers should not be complacent. The main symptoms of pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure, swelling and proteinuria, and it may also be accompanied by organ damage, such as failure of the liver, kidneys and lungs, as well as coagulation problems. If not treated promptly, it may even trigger eclampsia in the mother, endangering the lives of both mother and baby.

Pre-eclampsia, also known as toxæmia of pregnancy, is a serious pregnancy complication that usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. In Hong Kong, the incidence of pre-eclampsia is around one in a thousand, so it is not very common; however, expectant mothers should not take it lightly. The main symptoms of pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure, oedema and proteinuria, and it may also be accompanied by organ dysfunction, such as liver, kidney and lung failure, as well as blood clotting problems. If not treated promptly, it may even trigger seizures in the pregnant woman, endangering the lives of both mother and baby. 

If you want to know whether you may have pre-eclampsia, you can look out for the following symptoms:

• Severe oedema
• Raised blood pressure
• Proteinuria
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision or seeing flashes of light
• Upper abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Pre-eclampsia may lead to convulsions, liver, kidney and lung failure, and blood clotting problems. In severe cases, it may even endanger the lives of both the expectant mother and the baby. Therefore, if any of the above symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. 

Although the medical community has not yet fully understood the causes of pre-eclampsia, it is generally believed to be related to genetics and immune system disorders. The following are high-risk individuals:

• Pregnant women of advanced maternal age
• Women who are overweight or obese
• Women with diabetes, hypertension or lupus
• Women who previously developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, or who have a close family member with a history of the condition
• Women whose current pregnancy is more than ten years apart from their previous birth
• Women carrying twins or multiple babies 

For expectant mothers, pre-eclampsia may trigger seizures, affect liver and kidney function, and even increase the risk of stroke and placental bleeding. If it is not detected and treated early, it may also cause permanent damage to the mother’s health.

In addition to affecting the health of expectant mothers, pre-eclampsia can also endanger the baby’s health. It may cause foetal growth restriction, lead to premature birth, and even increase the likelihood of stillbirth. 

If an expectant mother shows signs of pre-eclampsia, the doctor will recommend a series of tests, including urine tests, blood tests and an ultrasound examination, to confirm the diagnosis. First, the doctor will monitor the pregnant woman's blood pressure, then carry out blood tests to check liver and kidney function and measure the platelet count, and use a urine test to confirm whether there is proteinuria. In addition, an ultrasound examination will also be performed to observe the foetus's growth and ensure normal development. 

If an expectant mother unfortunately develops pre-eclampsia, the doctor will provide treatment according to the severity of the condition. In general, treatment includes medication to control blood pressure and prevent seizures. Once the blood pressure has stabilised and if the situation allows, the doctor may recommend delivering the baby as soon as possible, because the symptoms of pre-eclampsia usually gradually ease after birth. If the condition is more severe, corticosteroids may be used to temporarily improve liver and platelet function, help prolong the pregnancy, and promote the development of the baby’s lungs. The doctor may also prescribe anticonvulsant medication to prevent seizures and ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

Although pre-eclampsia cannot be completely prevented, expectant mothers can reduce the risk through regular antenatal check-ups and good health management. Maintaining a balanced diet, getting sufficient calcium, and taking moderate exercise can help prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy. Between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy, women carrying a single baby can undergo first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening to assess the risk of preterm birth and pre-eclampsia, so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken as early as possible. If an expectant mother is assessed as high risk, a doctor may recommend starting low-dose aspirin before 16 weeks of pregnancy to further reduce the likelihood of pre-eclampsia.

The above information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. If any abnormal symptoms occur, expectant mothers should seek early medical examination and professional treatment to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their baby. 

Welcoming a new life is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in life, and it is both exciting and nerve-racking for expectant parents. Before the baby is born, it is an excellent time to prepare and put essential protection in place. Pregnancy insurance (or maternity insurance) can protect expectant mothers against risks that may arise during pregnancy, while some critical illness insurance policies accept applications for babies from 22 weeks onwards, providing cover for congenital conditions for newborns. With such protection plans in place, expectant parents can welcome their new arrival with peace of mind.

As a Hong Kong insurance comparison platform, 10Life introduces a rating system designed by actuaries to compare different insurance products fairly, enabling consumers to choose the insurance product that best suits their needs. Check out the must-have insurance products for expectant parents now to learn more.  

Further reading:

[Gestational Diabetes] What are the symptoms? Does it affect the baby if you develop it?

[Pregnancy Diet] Tips, taboos and healthy meal ideas for early pregnancy

[Prenatal Check-ups] Ensuring the baby’s health: why are T21 and structure scans necessary?  

Note:

1. OT&P Healthcare 《Preeclampsia》

2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Prince of Wales Hospital 《First-trimester pre-eclampsia screening》

3. Department of Health, Women’s Health 《Preeclampsia》

4. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital 《First-trimester pre-eclampsia screening》

Last updated: 10 October 2024

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.