Diagnosing pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is easily diagnosed during the routine checks you have while you're pregnant.

Duringthese antenatal appointments , your blood pressureis regularly checked for signs of high blood pressure and a urine sample is tested to see if it contains protein.

If you notice any of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia between your antenatal appointments, see your midwife or GP for advice.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood on the walls of the arteries (main blood vessels) as the blood flows through them. It's measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two figures:

  • systolic pressure the pressure when the heart beats and squeezes blood out
  • diastolic pressure the pressure when the heart rests inbetween beats

YourGP or midwife will use a device with an inflatable cuff and a scaleas a pressure gauge (asphygmomanometer)to measure your blood pressure. The systolic reading will be taken first, followed by the diastolic reading.

If, for example,the systolic blood pressure is 120mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is 80mmHg, the overall blood pressure will be 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is usually defined as a systolic reading of 140mmHg or more, or a diastolic reading of 90mmHg or more.

Urine tests

A urine sample is usually requested at every antenatal appointment. This can easily be tested for protein using a dipstick.A dipstick isa strip of paper that has been treated with chemicals so it reacts to protein, usually by changing colour.

If the dipstick tests positive for protein,yourGP or midwife may ask for another urine sample to send to a laboratory for further tests. This could be a single sample of urine, or you may be asked to provide several samples over a 24-hour period. These can be used to determine exactly how much protein is being lost through your urine.

Further tests in hospital

If you're diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you should be referred to a specialist in hospital for further tests and more frequent monitoring.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to go home after an initial assessment andhave frequent outpatient appointments. Insevere cases, you may need to stay in hospital for closer observation.

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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016