Pre-eclampsia
Screening

Pre-eclampsia - what is it?

Pre-eclampsia is a complication that can occur during pregnancy. Typical symptoms are high blood pressure, protein excretion in the urine and water retention in the tissue. In many cases, there is also hypofunction of the placenta.

On average, around one in 100 women develops pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. If a severe and early form of pre-eclampsia occurs, in some cases delivery must take place before the 35th week of pregnancy to protect the mother and child. Statistically, around one in 200 pregnant women develops severe pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancies with a high risk of pre-eclampsia can now be recognised early thanks to the latest tests. If a high risk of pre-eclampsia has already been recognised in the first half of the pregnancy, the doctors looking after the baby can take appropriate preventative measures and arrange check-ups.

We therefore recommend that the screening for pre-eclampsia risks is carried out at the same time as the first trimester screening.

The risk of pre-eclampsia can also be determined as part of first trimester diagnostics. The early detection of a high risk of pre-eclampsia in the expectant mother in our Practice preventive measures and appropriate check-ups can be arranged.

We require the following information for an examination for pre-eclampsia risks:

• Blood pressure measurements on both arms
• Doppler measurements in the arteries supplying the uterus
• Information on any previous pregnancies
• Information on health history
• Height and weight
• PlGF and PAPP-A value (determined at the First trimester screening also measured to calculate the trisomy risk)

A precautionary intake of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is currently recommended for a personal risk of one in 100 or worse. In addition, a blood coagulation test may also be useful in individual cases.