Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that occurs in around 2 to 8% of pregnancies. While common in late pregnancies, it can also happen as early as 20 weeks of gestation or even 2 to 3 weeks after delivery. Severe pre-eclampsia can be life-threatening to both baby and mother.

Despite the cause being unknown, pre-eclampsia is associated with the following risk factors: 

• An obstetric history of pre-eclampsia
• A medical history of hypertension, renal disease, diabetes or autoimmune disease, e.g. SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• A family history of pre-eclampsia
• First pregnancy
• Advanced maternal age (≥ 40 years)
• Overweight (BMI ≥ 35kg/m2)

Pre-eclampsia may lead to organ damage and bleeding problems. It can be fatal if left untreated. 

Risk to Mother: 

• Can lead to seizures
• Affect liver or kidneys
• Increased chance of stroke
• Increased chance of bleeding from placenta 

Risk to Baby: 

• Increased risk of pre-term birth
• Restricted foetal growth
• Increased chance of stillbirth 

Given the serious complications associated with these conditions, recent research highlights the effectiveness of early screening for identifying at-risk mothers, enabling the timely implementation of preventive measures.

• Obstetric and medical history
• Maternal blood taking
• Measure blood pressure on both arm twice
• Ultrasound examination of uterine artery blood flow by doctor

Pregnant women expecting one child can undergo this screening test from 11+0 weeks to 13+6 weeks of gestation.

The result of estimated risk for pre-term pre-eclampsia is usually available in approximately 3 working days. 

If you are considered high risk for pre-eclampsia after screening, you will be invited to attend a follow-up consultation for further counselling.