Why screen for preeclampsia in early pregnancy?

Preeclampsia, formerly known as pregnancy toxemia, is a maternal complication associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy. This complication can have serious consequences on the health of the pregnant woman and the baby, lead to premature delivery or even maternal and/or fetal death. Preventive screening, as early as the first trimester, accompanied by preventive treatment, can prevent up to 90% of the risks of pre-term preeclampsia.

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The symptoms of preeclampsia

The first symptoms of preeclampsia can appear at any time from the 20th.^E week of pregnancy. However, experiencing symptoms is also a sign that it is too late to take preventive action. You will therefore have understood that in the case of preeclampsia, prevention is better than cure!

During the diagnosis, your medical team will take action to try to control preeclampsia, but be aware that it is not possible to cure it. The only possible solution is delivery and close medical follow-up is then necessary. Preterm delivery, sometimes by caesarean section, may be suggested for maternal and fetal well-being.

Here are the main symptoms of preeclampsia:

- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the legs
- Painful and persistent headaches
- Nausea that may cause vomiting
- Vision disorders (blurred, blurred vision or floating objects)
- Various pains (chest, upper body)
- Breathing difficulties

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Risks of preeclampsia

Several risks are observed when a pregnant woman suffers from preeclampsia. A baby's growth can be compromised by poor blood flow of nutrients to the placenta. A baby with low weight or low growth could be seen during the various ultrasounds. Placental abruption can also be a consequence of preeclampsia and lead to premature delivery. In severe cases, preeclampsia can affect various internal organs of the mother-to-be such as the liver and kidneys. In the most serious cases, the pregnant woman could then experience seizures and in the worst cases, a cerebral hemorrhage. This is why preeclampsia prevention and screening can be an important asset in preventing preeclampsia preterm.

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How to diagnose or detect the risks of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is generally suspected during pregnancy follow-up, when blood pressure is taken, and when maternal symptoms are evaluated. The pressure of the pregnant woman will usually be high. Preeclampsia could also be confirmed by a urine test that shows the presence of protein in the urine. These proteins accumulated in the urine are a sign of poor kidney function.

However, before going to these steps, it is possible to carry out a Preventive screening for preeclampsia as early as the first trimester at Prenato. This blood test (blood test), which is safe for the baby and for the mother, will be done at the same time as the prenatal screening test. The pregnant woman will then know if she has a low or high risk of developing preeclampsia during her pregnancy. By knowing the level of risk, the treating professional who monitors the pregnancy will be able to suggest a simple protocol to reduce the risks of developing pre-term preeclampsia by about 90%.

If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia, contact your primary care professional immediately in order to obtain medical follow-up adapted to your pregnancy. Despite popular belief, preeclampsia can develop in any pregnant woman and the risks are not the same from one pregnancy to another. Up to 55% of moms who will suffer from preterm preeclampsia have no maternal or family risk factors. This is why preventive screening is recommended for each new pregnancy.

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