Allied Health Professional · Neurology ·
Preeclampsia: Why Early Recognition in Antenatal Care Saves Lives Preeclampsia…
Preeclampsia: Why Early Recognition in Antenatal Care Saves Lives
Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide, yet many cases are identified late because early signs are subtle or attributed to normal pregnancy changes.
Key points for clinical practice:
Blood pressure should be measured at every antenatal visit, not just when a woman reports symptoms. New-onset hypertension after 20 weeks, with or without proteinuria, warrants prompt evaluation.
Warning symptoms patients should be counselled on: severe or persistent headache, visual disturbances, right upper quadrant or epigastric pain, sudden swelling of the face or hands, and reduced fetal movement.
Risk factors include first pregnancy, prior preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, multiple pregnancy and autoimmune disease. Low-dose aspirin from early pregnancy is recommended for women at increased risk, per applicable national guidelines.
A normal blood pressure reading at one visit does not rule out rapid progression later; preeclampsia can evolve quickly, including postpartum.
Timely referral for suspected preeclampsia and close maternal-fetal monitoring can meaningfully reduce the risk of eclampsia, stroke and adverse neonatal outcomes.
Disclaimer: For healthcare professional education. Please follow local antenatal care and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy guidelines.