A serious condition in which hypertension, oedema, and proteinuria develop in the last (3rd) trimester of pregnancy. If severe, symptoms may include headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and visual disturbances. The condition, which is sometimes called pre-eclamptic toxaemia or PET, is more common in 1st pregnancies and if diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or kidney disease is present. Untreated pre-eclampsia may lead to eclampsia. For some cases of pre-eclampsia, treatment is bed-rest and antihypertensive drugs. In late pregnancy, or if severe, induction of labour or caesarean section may be necessary.
Pre-eclampsia |
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