All pregnant women can now get a new preeclampsia screening test. This test aims to identify pregnant women who are most likely to get severe pre-eclampsia. Between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, it is done during the nuchal translucency ultrasound.

The screening test comprises blood tests, blood pressure readings, maternal characteristics (obtained via a questionnaire at the time of the ultrasound), blood pressure measurements, and an ultrasound assessment of blood flow to the uterus. When these variables are combined and examined, they can identify up to 80% of pregnant women who will have severe preeclampsia that will cause them to give birth prematurely.

About pre-eclampsia screening

Pre-eclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, affects 8–10% of Indian women and is characterized by high blood pressure that may harm vital organs. Additionally, it may result in the fetus' poor or constrained development, pre-term delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, or even become lethal. About 75–80% of all pre-eclampsia patients have late-onset pre-eclampsia, which is linked to maternal morbidity (metabolic syndrome, poor glucose tolerance, obesity, dyslipidemia, or chronic hypertension), and average birth weight and placental volume.

The screening process for preeclampsia is precise and consists of a simple ultrasound exam performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy to evaluate the flow of blood to the placenta, in addition to the evaluation of the mother's medical history, mean arterial blood pressure, and serum levels. A blood sign for maternal health and a placental development factor known as PAPP (PLGF)

Risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia screening

Preeclampsia is quickly identified during your usual prenatal checkups. Your blood pressure is routinely checked at these prenatal visits for indications of high blood pressure, and a urine sample is examined for the presence of protein. Therefore, the test does not pose any risk.

Preparing for pre-eclampsia screening

No preparation is required for pre-eclampsia screening.

What to expect from pre-eclampsia screening

Although the likelihood of developing preeclampsia is relatively minimal, it is advised that you be more carefully followed throughout your pregnancy if you test positive for the condition. The regular mid-trimester scan is done as near to 20 weeks as feasible to assess the baby's growth and structural development. When you return to our screening clinic at 23 to 24 weeks, we examine your blood pressure, urine, uterine artery dopplers, and the size of your unborn child. If everything is well at this point, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood pressure and urine throughout the pregnancy.

Possible results of pre-eclampsia screening

Preeclampsia screening is an easy technique to detect women who are most likely to have the condition early in their pregnancies. Early identification and treatment by this method can result in safeguarding your child and positively affect both mothers' and newborns' health. Your physician may prescribe an essential low dosage of aspirin, which is safe to take while pregnant and, if taken before 16 weeks, may cut the chance of developing severe preeclampsia by 60%.

Your preeclampsia screening result may show a high risk, in which case the mother and the baby must be monitored more often.

If your test results are low risk, pre-eclampsia is unlikely to cause you to deliver your baby early. Blood pressure monitoring continues as usual as part of your prenatal care since the potential remains that you could develop pre-eclampsia.

When to see a doctor

Make sure you attend your prenatal appointments so your doctor can check your blood pressure. Call your doctor immediately or visit the emergency department if you get severe headaches, blurred vision, or other visual problems, severe abdominal discomfort, or severe shortness of breath.

Headaches, nausea, and aches and pains are typical pregnancy concerns. It may be challenging to determine when new symptoms are just a normal part of being pregnant and when they might point to a significant issue, mainly if it's your first pregnancy. Contact your doctor if your symptoms cause you any worry.

Conclusion

Following birth, you must be carefully watched for high blood pressure and other pre-eclampsia symptoms. Before you return home, find out when to seek medical attention if you have postpartum preeclampsia symptoms, including severe headaches, visual changes, severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. What factors influence your chance of getting pre-eclampsia?

Several variables might raise your risk of getting preeclampsia, including your ethnicity, the fact that this is your first pregnancy, having a high body mass index, and having a personal or family history of preeclampsia in the past.

2. How reliable is screening for early-onset preeclampsia?

A stated risk assessment for Early-onset Pre-eclampsia (EO-PE) has a detection rate of 75% for a false positive rate of 10%. The cutoff for EO-PE favorable rates is 1 in 180. A positive test result enables prompt patient care and early action. There might be false positive and false negative findings, just as with any screening tests. Screening tests are not fully diagnostic since their accuracy can never be guaranteed.

3. How soon can I get my results?

Your referring physician obtains the combined first trimester and Early-onset Pre-eclampsia screening findings. After the laboratory receives the 12-week ultrasound report, your findings will typically be ready in 3 working days.

4. Can you give delivery vaginally if you have preeclampsia?

Yes. Vaginal delivery may be preferable to a c-section if you have pre-eclampsia. Having a vaginal delivery eliminates the stress of surgery. As long as your blood clots properly, getting an epidural to ease childbirth pain is safe for most pre-eclamptic women.