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PRE-ECLAMPSIA SCREENING

Screening for pre-eclampsia is an important step you can take to protect the health of both you and your baby

WHAT IS PRE-ECLAMPSIA?

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Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and higher than normal level of protein in urine.

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It commonly begins in the second half of pregnancy (any time after 20 weeks), during labour, or up to 6 weeks after delivery.

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HOW COMMON IS

PRE-ECLAMPSIA?

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Preeclampsia is a relatively common complication of pregnancy. It affects 1 in 20 pregnant women.

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HOW PRE-ECLAMPSIA COULD AFFECT MY BABY AND ME?

 

Pre-eclampsia can have serious effects on the mother and the baby.

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In mothers, it can affect kidneys, liver, eyes and brain and cause these organs to malfunction.

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In babies, it can affect the baby’s growth causing growth restriction, bleeding behind the placenta and prematurity due to the need for early intervention.

 

SYMPTOMS OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA

 

Symptoms of preeclampsia can include headaches, visual disturbance, abdominal pains, and leg swelling. However, these symptoms can occur in a healthy pregnancy as well 

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In some women pre-eclampsia, has no symptoms until the condition is late and present with complications.

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Am I at Risk?

 

Although preeclampsia can affect any pregnancy, some pregnancies are more at risk.

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You are more at risk if:

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  • This is your first pregnancy, or even your first pregnancy with your present partner.

  • You, your mother or sister had preeclampsia

  • You have BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or more

  • Your age is 40 or over.

  • you are expecting twins, triplets or quads.

  • You have medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney problems or diabetes

WHAT ARE THE BENIFITS OF SCREENING

 

Having risk factors does not mean that you will get pre-eclampsia. On the other hand, you may not have any known risk factors but still develop pre-eclampsia.

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A Screen negative result means you are unlikely to develop pre-eclampsia and you will continue to receive normal care during your pregnancy.

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A screen positive result does not mean that you will definitely develop preeclampsia. However, knowledge of higher than expected risk makes it possible for your doctor to initiate treatment at the optimum time and monitor your pregnancy and your baby’s growth more carefully.

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HOW EFFECTIVE IS PRE-ECLAMPSIA SCREENING?

 

The screening test has a high detection rate (90%). This means it can detect 9 out of the 10 women who will go on to develop pre-eclampsia.

 

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HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE TREATMENT

 

Early treatment with low dose Aspirin for women identified to be at high risk could reduce the incidence of developing pre-eclampsia by 50%. This lowers the risk of subsequent complications in your pregnancy for you and your baby.

 

 

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Screening for Pre-eclampsia is now available at your 11-14 week scan

How can I arrange for my screening?

Arranging for your pre-eclampsia screening is optional.

The test is done as part of your 11-14 week scan

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Call us at Brunker Road Medical Centre

to arrange for your test

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There will be an additional cost for pre-eclampsia screening

The screening test is performed at the time of your 11-14 week scan. It involves taking your blood pressure measurements, assessing the placental blood flow by scan, taking your family history of blood pressure and your pregnancy hormone blood levels (PAPP-A &/or PIGF).  Based on these information your risk of developing Pre-eclampsia is calculated. You will receive the screening result at the end of your examination.

WHAT DOES THE SCREENING PROCESS INVOLVE?

How can I arrange for my screening?

Arranging for your pre-eclampsia screening is optional

The test is done as part of your 11-14 week scan

​

Call us at Brunker Road Medical Centre

to arrange for your test

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There will be an additional cost for pre-eclampsia screening

This practice is HDAA & Fetal Medicine Foundation Accredited

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