Pre-eclampsia screening

Protecting Mothers, Preserving Lives. Pre-eclampsia Screening for Peace of Mind.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a hazardous pregnancy disorder that can harm both the mother and the unborn child. It is a high blood pressure disorder brought on by pregnancy. This disorder, which can be harmful to the foetus, appears after the 20th week of pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy harms the body’s organs as well and poses a risk if there is an existing medical issue. This condition affects between two and five percent of expectant mothers, and among them, one in 200 (0.5%) might have severe pre-eclampsia that begins before 34 weeks of pregnancy. Early treatment mitigates pre-eclampsia’s impact on you and your baby; timely detection is vital for effective management.

Pre-eclampsia screening is crucial since the disorder can have a serious impact on the foetus’s blood supply. Its screening assists in early diagnosis and identification of the illness. Additionally, it might harm the mother’s liver, impact her heart, and cause fluid to accumulate in her lungs.

What are the possible causes of pre-eclampsia?

The possible risk factors are:

• Obesity
• High Body Mass Index
• Age & blood pressure readings.
• First pregnancy
• Pre-eclampsia in the past or pre-eclampsia in the family.

Pre-eclampsia risk assessment combines patient characteristics, uterine artery measurements, and blood tests to determine likelihood.

What does Pre-eclampsia screening involve?

PE testing includes:

• Blood Test
• Your medical history
• Taking your blood pressure readings
• Your height and weight are measured
• Doppler ultrasound for assessing the uterine arteries at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy

You will be questioned about your health and the health of your family members since personal or family histories of pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure can influence your risk assessment. With some blood test data, this information will be used to calculate the blood flow in the arteries supplying your uterus using ultrasound. The percentage of women who will experience pre-eclampsia and require delivery prior to 37 weeks may be predicted in around 75% of cases using this method. 

If your test results show a high risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a straightforward therapy of low-dose aspirin can delay the emergence of the most serious form of this condition while being closely monitored by your doctor.

Pre-Eclampsia Screening Process

In the pre-eclampsia screening procedure, an ultrasound scan is used to assess the placental blood flow at 11–13 weeks of pregnancy together with other factors such as mean arterial blood pressure, the mother’s medical history, placental growth factor (PLGF), and the maternal blood marker serum PAPP–A.

As close to 20 weeks as feasible, a normal mid-trimester scan should be carried out to examine the baby’s growth and structural development. It’s crucial to monitor the baby’s development, mother’s urine, blood pressure, and uterine artery dopplers around 23–24 weeks. If all is OK at this point, your doctor will continue to frequently monitor your blood pressure and urine until you give birth.

What if my pre-eclampsia screening results are positive?

Although the likelihood that you will develop pre-eclampsia is still low, it is advised that you be more closely monitored during your pregnancy if you screen positive for the condition. The medical expert will take care of you. Know that the regular mid-trimester scan is done as near to 20 weeks as feasible to assess the baby’s growth & structural development, which is more significant. 

You need to return to the screening clinic at 23 to 24 weeks, where your blood pressure, urine, uterine artery dopplers, and the size of your unborn child will be examined. If everything is well at this point, the doctor will routinely monitor your blood pressure and urine throughout the pregnancy.

Why choose Giggles?

Giving birth to a new life is the greatest act of love. Nothing compares to the quality and popularity of Giggles Hospitals Best Women And Children Hospital in Vizag, when it comes to the top hospital for newborn care. A specialised, one-speciality women’s hospital like Giggles Hospital known for Best Maternity Hospital Vizag can assist in offering the necessary medical treatment in a welcoming, homelike setting.