A new change in preeclampsia testing provides a more life-saving option for at-risk mums. This is amazing news for expecting mothers who are concerned about their pregnancies.
With this change, more mothers can anticipate or prevent complications with their pregnancy.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Experts Discover Life-Saving Change in Preeclampsia Testing
- How the Preeclampsia Testing Change Helps At-Risk Pregnancies
- Things to Remember About Preeclampsia
Experts Discover Life-Saving Change in Preeclampsia Testing
Preeclampsia is defined as a fatal condition affecting over 6% of women during the second trimester of their pregnancy. Most at-risk pregnant mums require undergoing preeclampsia testing to confirm possible complications surrounding their pregnancy.
There is only one test that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) introduced to rule out preeclampsia. Concerning this, NICE usually follows a series of tests before properly diagnosing cases.
Experts believe that this discovery would help save the lives of more pregnant women. About this, the Welsh government embraced the new guidance. However, they said that they are yet to recommend routine screening.
How Valuable Is the Preeclampsia Testing Change?
Several medical health practitioners utilise different tests to rule out preeclampsia. Researchers also uncovered a possible cause of preeclampsia back in 2021.
However, tests are yet to declare that it is completely reliable enough to rule it in. Authorities approved four tests. Each measures levels of placental growth factor (PIGF)) in the blood.
PlGF is a protein that helps the development of new blood vessels in the placenta, and in women with preeclampsia, levels can be low.
“These tests represent a step change in the management and treatment of preeclampsia,” stated Jeanette Kusel. She works as the director of scientific advice at the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
She also said that these tests can be beneficial in successfully diagnosing preeclampsia. Additionally, she stressed the value of their tests to both doctors and expecting mothers.
The new development in preeclampsia testing helps determine the treatment needed to lessen the risks of a certain pregnancy. Doctors can also prepare effective treatment plans to help boost the confidence of soon-to-be mums.
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How the Preeclampsia Testing Change Helps At-Risk Pregnancies
Concerning the development of preeclampsia testing, a mum related her experience with preeclampsia.
In 2020, this mother was devastated when she learned of her preeclampsia diagnosis. Because of this, she welcomed the recent change in preeclampsia testing. She also encourages women to have routine tests.
According to her, not a lot of mums know about the risks of preeclampsia. She also believes that is more work to be done on the early detection of the condition.
When she suffered from preeclampsia, the woman was in the 35th week of her pregnancy. During that time, the midwife took her blood pressure; right after that, they immediately took her to the hospital.
She then discovered that her condition was an emergency case. The medical health providers gave her medication to reduce her blood pressure, she was induced the following day.
Unfortunately, preeclampsia complications lead her to an assisted delivery. During labour, she experienced haemorrhaging. Because of this, she required several blood transfusions.
As a result, the baby was born with breathing problems. It is why they decided to take the infant into a special unit.
“I was scared, especially because I didn’t have my partner with me – because of COVID-19 you weren’t allowed anybody with you,” said the woman.
During that time, she began crying hysterically knowing that she needed to give birth to her son, five weeks earlier. As a mum, she was worried about her baby as well as her health.
“I was scared,” she said while recounting the experience.
As someone who experienced preeclampsia, she commends and supports the new recommendation from NICE. According to her, it was a “step in the right direction.”
However, she is questioning why they do not recommend having a routine test. Mums like her urge more doctors to recommend the tests required to find an effective treatment for their preeclampsia.
Things to Remember About Preeclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication. Pregnant women suffering from preeclampsia might have high blood pressure, high levels of protein in the urine, and other signs of organ damage.
It is a multi-system disorder or failure of more than one bodily system. In severe cases, pre-eclampsia can affect both the liver and kidneys.
Additionally, preeclampsia commonly occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. In less common cases, pre-eclampsia could also occur after the delivery of the baby.
Image Source: iStock
Preeclampsia Signs and Symptoms to Remember
- Increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure is or exceeds 140/90 mmHg.
- Increase in urine protein. Excess protein in the urine or other signs of kidney-related problems may be signs of preeclampsia.
- Severe headaches. Headaches are common in pregnancy. However, severe and persistent headaches should be taken seriously.
- Vision changes. Changes include blurred vision and seeing double and increase light sensitivity.
- Abdominal pain. It may be common during pregnancy; however, remember that pain in the upper abdomen is particularly characteristic of preeclampsia.
- Swelling. Swelling that increases rapidly in the hands, feet, and face is a warning sign.
Causes of Preeclampsia
Here are the common causes that soon-to-be mums should note:
- Placental dysfunction
- Damaged blood vessels
- Autoimmune conditions
- Renal impairment
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