Introduction to Pre-Eclampsia

Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension), fluid

retention (oedama), and excessive protein levels in the urine (proteinura). These
symptoms are not evident during the early stages of pregnancy and such
preeclampsia can be difficult to diagnose. It is detectable by regular antental
checks on the maternal blood pressure and urine, and such as women without
access to adequate healthcare services are particularly at risk.
There is currently no way of curing preeclampsia. In severe cases the only way to
relieve the mother’s symptoms is to artificially unduce deliveror to prematurely
deliver the child by emergency ceaserian section. Being born prematurely can have
serious consequences and every yearfour million babies are born with fetal growth
restriction as a consequence of preeclampsia.
Although Preeclampsia has been the subject of scientific research for many years,
the exact etiology of the condition is as yet unknown. Recent research has
indicated that the poor development of the placenta maybe responsible, preventing
the transfer of nutrients from mother to baby that are essential to its healthy
development.
Objectives:
 To find out specifically what it is that causes preeclampsia
 To identify the diagnosis of the condition
 Develop a safe and effective therapy for preeclampsia