6 Things You Need to Know About Pre-eclampsia

4. Treatment of pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia can only be cured by delivering the baby, so the focus of treatment is blood pressure management and monitoring the growth of the baby and the health of the mother. Women with a high risk or more than one risk factor for developing pre-eclampsia will be asked to take a daily dose of aspirin from the 12^th week of their pregnancy until the baby is born.

• Mild pre-eclampsia

If your regular appointments and checks pick up any symptoms of mild pre-eclampsia, you will be closely monitored for the rest of your pregnancy. You will have more frequent blood tests and scans. You may also be given medicine to control your blood pressure.

It is not recommended that you go over your due date, even with mild pre-eclampsia, so if your baby isn’t born by that date, your labour will be induced. When you deliver, your baby will depend on how high your blood pressure is. Some hospitals may look to induce from 34-37 weeks. It is recommended that women with mild or moderate pre-eclampsia should give birth soon after 37 weeks.

• Severe pre-eclampsia

If mild pre-eclampsia progresses to more severe pre-eclampisia, you will need to be admitted to hospital in case you need treatment and/or the baby needs to be delivered. If necessary, you will be given medication to control your blood pressure. You will be cared for by an experienced midwife, senior obstetrician and anaesthetist.

You may have the following tests:

• Regular blood pressure checks: If you are stable and are showing no symptoms, this will most likely be every four hours. However, if the pre-eclampsia is severe, this may be as often as every 15 minutes, and after you have stabilised, every half hour.
• Daily urine tests to measure the level of protein present.
• Blood tests: These will be taken to check your blood count, clotting, liver and kidney function.
• Ultrasound scans: These scans will help your medical team to measure your baby’s growth and wellbeing.

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