Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious condition that affects some pregnant women, usually after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs, most often the liver and kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.

Common Symptoms:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
• Swelling of the face, hands, or feet
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes (blurred vision, sensitivity to light)
• Pain in the upper right abdomen

Who Is at Risk?

Pre-eclampsia can affect any pregnant woman, but the risk is higher in:

• First-time pregnancies
• Women with a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease
• Pregnant women over 35
• Those carrying multiples (twins, triplets)
• Women with obesity or diabetes

Why Early Detection Matters

If pre-eclampsia is caught early, it can be managed through close monitoring, medication, and sometimes early delivery. Untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening condition causing seizures, or lead to HELLP syndrome, which affects the liver and blood cells.

What You Can Do:

• Attend all antenatal appointments
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly
• Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately
• Follow a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and prenatal care

At Mascot Healthcare, we provide thorough antenatal checkups to help detect and manage conditions like pre-eclampsia early. Your safety and your baby’s health are our priority.