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FACT SHEETS

Pre-eclampsia and pregnancy

Around 15,000 women in France are affected every year by a pregnancy complication known as pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia can occur during pregnancy or in the weeks following childbirth, and can have serious consequences for both mother and child. The symptoms are high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

It can develop without you even realizing it, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms. Symptoms may include: unusual headaches, blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting in the 2nd - 3rd trimester of pregnancy, edema of the hands or face, rapid and significant weight gain.

Risk factors for developing pre-eclampsia include a history of pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, pre-pregnancy diabetes, chronic hypertension, kidney disease or autoimmune diseases such as lupus. But it's also important to remember that many women with pre-eclampsia have no risk factors whatsoever.

In the event of symptoms or risk factors during pregnancy, it's important to speak to your obstetrician-gynecologist right away.

If you have already had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, your cardiovascular risk is increased. You are more likely to suffer a myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic hypertension or kidney failure during your lifetime.

So, if you have a history of pre-eclampsia, you should be regularly monitored by a healthcare professional to assess your cardiovascular risk.

Pre-eclampsia and pregnancy


 
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