Categories: Frequently Asked Questions For Parents Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is more common in first-time moms and very young or older moms. It is not certain what causes pre-eclampsia or why some women are more prone to get it, but it is thought that it starts very early in pregnancy with faulty attachment of the placenta to the inside of the uterus. The signs and symptoms do not usually occur until much later, however, during the last weeks or days of pregnancy, sometimes not developing until labor starts.

Pre-eclampsia may lead to serious complications including seizures, stroke, kidney damage, and damage to the baby. If the midwife notices that your blood pressure is rising, your weight has jumped up, or you have protein in your urine, she may order some blood tests and a "24-hour urine," she will have you cut back on activities and increase your rest, and she will want to watch you very closely. Signs of pre-eclampsia to watch for and tell your midwife about if they occur are headaches that won't go away, blurry vision or spots in front of your eyes that won't go away, pain in your upper abdomen on the right side, sudden swelling in your face or hands, or just feeling lousy, like you're coming down with the flu.