Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from 20 weeks) or soon after their baby is delivered.
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in your urine (proteinuria). It's unlikely that you'll notice these signs, but they should be picked up during your routine antenatal appointments. In some cases, further symptoms can develop, including: severe headache, vision problems, such as blurring or flashing, pain just below the ribs, vomiting, and sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet.
If you notice any symptoms of pre-eclampsia, seek medical advice immediately by calling your midwife, GP surgery or NHS 111.
Although many cases are mild, the condition can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if it's not monitored and treated. The earlier pre-eclampsia is diagnosed and monitored, the better the outlook for mother and baby. [...]
What causes pre-eclampsia?
Although the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known, it's thought to occur when there's a problem with the placenta, the organ that links the baby's blood supply to the mother's.
Treating pre-eclampsia
If you're diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you should be referred for an assessment by a specialist, usually in hospital. While in hospital, you'll be monitored closely to determine how severe the condition is and whether a hospital stay is needed.
The only way to cure pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby, so you'll usually be monitored regularly until it's possible for your baby to be delivered. This will normally be at around 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, but it may be earlier in more severe cases. At this point, labour may be started artificially (induced) or you may have a caesarean section.
You'll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure while you wait for your baby to be delivered.
Complications
Although most cases of pre-eclampsia cause no problems and improve soon after the baby is delivered, there's a risk of serious complications that can affect both the mother and her baby. There's a risk that the mother will develop fits called "eclampsia". These fits can be life threatening for the mother and baby, but they're rare. [...]
Signs in the unborn baby
The main sign of pre-eclampsia in the unborn baby is slow growth. This is caused by poor blood supply through the placenta to the baby. The growing baby receives less oxygen and fewer nutrients than it should, which can affect
development. This is called intra-uterine or foetal growth restriction. If your baby is growing more slowly than usual, this will normally be picked up during your antenatal appointments, when the midwife or doctor measures you.
Adaptado de: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/symptoms/
Segundo o texto, a gestante geralmente identifica os sintomas iniciais da pré-eclâmpsia (hipertensão e proteinúria).