Preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnancy: what are they?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jan 22, 2023

It affects around 3-5% of pregnant women and is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy: preeclampsia, formerly known as gestosis, is a condition that should not be underestimated

In order to avoid worrying consequences for mother and baby, it is essential to diagnose it in time: for this reason, blood pressure must always be monitored.

High blood pressure in pregnancy and protein in the urine

It appears, usually suddenly, in the second part of pregnancy, after 20 weeks.

To avoid damage, even serious damage, it is essential to diagnose it early, especially by keeping blood pressure under control and with regular urine tests.

Preeclampsia is quite subtle, often the affected woman has no specific signs.

The main symptoms that should make her suspicious are two: high blood pressure in pregnancy above 140 maximum and 90 minimum, and the presence of protein in the urine with levels above 290 mg/l.

The causes of preeclampsia

There is general damage to the walls of the maternal blood vessels and the placenta, the organ that carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby, but we still do not know exactly what triggers this condition once known as gestosis in pregnancy or gestosis gravidarum.

Damage to the walls of the maternal vascular system leads to two main consequences: on the one hand, harmful substances are produced that damage the mother’s circulation.

On the other, the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to the baby is blocked and the baby suffers.

Preeclampsia or eclampsia: what are the risks?

The symptoms range from coagulation disorders and generalised organ damage to the development into eclampsia, a condition that manifests itself in convulsions, loss of consciousness and in some cases brain haemorrhages.

Unfortunately, precisely because of these consequences, pre-eclampsia is one of the main causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy and childbirth, both in developing countries and in more advanced ones such as Italy.

The risks for the baby?

The main risks are those of growth retardation or stunting, in addition to the risks of a premature birth: when pre-eclampsia occurs, in fact, the only possible solution is to give birth.

The biggest problem is if it occurs at a very early gestational age, when the foetus – and in particular its respiratory system – is still immature and the risk of perinatal mortality is higher.

Cardiotocography (CTG): Monitoring In Pregnancy