Preeclampsia and pre-pregnancy hypertension

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy that affects 5% of women in Australia. Preeclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and has signs of organ damage, such as protein in her urine.

Preeclampsia is caused by a disease process in the placenta that releases toxins into the pregnant woman's circulation. These toxins can cause blood vessel damage in major organs such as the brain, kidney and liver. 

Pre-pregnancy hypertension

Women with high blood pressure (hypertension) prior to pregnancy are at increased risk of preeclampsia, abnormalities in fetal growth and early delivery. Maintaining good control of blood pressure during pregnancy is essential for a healthy mother and baby. Pre-pregnancy consultation to optimise blood pressure medications prior to getting pregnant is important to avoid complications.

Is there a cure for preeclampsia?

Despite rapid medical advances that have improved care for many human diseases, there is no medical cure for preeclampsia. The only way the disease can be stopped is to deliver the baby and placenta. Unfortunately, if preeclampsia is severe and develops at a preterm gestation, the baby may need to be delivered early.  

At Mercy Perinatal, we can monitor the health of women and her unborn baby closely if there are signs of preeclampsia at a preterm gestation. This may involve assessment in our Pregnancy Day Assessment Centre, and regular ultrasounds and fetal monitoring.

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