Pre-Eclampsia in Pregnancy, Diagnosed Early and Managed with Care
Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related condition associated with high blood pressure and elevated protein in the urine, which may indicate kidney damage. It needs proper monitoring and immediate treatment — Dr. Lida Anwari provides expert diagnosis and management for a safer pregnancy.
Book a Consultation WhatsApp UsWhat Is Pre-Eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related condition that is associated with high blood pressure (hypertension) and elevated protein in the urine (proteinuria), which may indicate kidney damage. The occurrence of this disease is usual in women who previously had normal blood pressure, especially from 20 weeks onward.
It may also affect other organs in the body, causing issues like kidney and liver injury, brain damage, and other severe health complications for both the mother and the developing foetus. Pre-eclampsia needs proper monitoring and immediate treatment by healthcare providers due to the risks it poses — it may also develop after delivery, known as postpartum pre-eclampsia.
Pre-Eclampsia, Explained
- Associated withHigh Blood Pressure & Proteinuria
- Usually appearsFrom 20 Weeks Onward
- May also occurAfter Delivery (Postpartum)
- Can affectKidneys, Liver & Brain
- Care led byDr. Lida Anwari
Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia in Pregnancy
Recognising the signs and symptoms is important. While some women never develop apparent signs, common symptoms include the following.
Common Symptoms
- High Blood Pressure
- Proteinuria
- Swelling (Edema)
- Severe Headaches
- Vision Problems
- Upper Right Abdominal Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Sudden Weight Gain
Severe Symptoms
- Hypertensive Emergency
- Decreased Kidney or Liver Function
- Low Platelet Levels (Thrombocytopenia)
- Reduced Urine Output
What Causes Pre-Eclampsia?
The exact cause of pre-eclampsia remains unclear, but several factors may increase the risk: placental issues, blood vessel development, and multiple other factors.
High-Risk Factors: history of high blood pressure, multiple pregnancies, autoimmune conditions, previous pre-eclampsia.
Moderate-Risk Factors: first pregnancy, obesity, advanced maternal age, family history, complications in prior pregnancies.
Diagnosis of Pre-Eclampsia in Pregnancy
Diagnosis often occurs during routine prenatal checkups, where the healthcare provider checks several health parameters, including blood pressure and urine tests. A diagnosis is made if a patient presents with high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy and exhibits at least one of the following findings:
Key Diagnostic Findings
Proteinuria, signs of kidney problems, low blood platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, fluid in the lungs, or new headaches or vision disturbances.
Blood Pressure Measurement
High blood pressure is confirmed by measuring both systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.
Additional Tests
Blood tests, urine analysis, foetal ultrasound, and a nonstress test or biophysical profile to further assess severity.
Complications of Pre-Eclampsia, If Left Untreated
Maternal Complications
Seizures (eclampsia), coma, stroke, kidney damage, liver damage, HELLP syndrome, and other organ damage.
Foetal Complications
Foetal growth restriction, premature birth, and placental abruption.
Long-Term Risks
Future cardiovascular disease, recurrent pre-eclampsia, and kidney disease.
Management and Treatment of Pre-Eclampsia in Pregnancy
Treatment primarily focuses on managing the condition and determining the appropriate timing for delivery. The approach varies based on the severity of the pre-eclampsia and the gestational age of the foetus.
Monitoring & Mild Pre-Eclampsia
Regular prenatal visits, ultrasounds, urinalyses and blood tests to assess blood pressure, kidney function and the baby's health, with home blood pressure monitoring where advised. Mild pre-eclampsia is managed with more frequent provider visits and lifestyle changes or medication for blood pressure.
Severe Pre-Eclampsia & Medication
Severe pre-eclampsia typically requires hospitalisation for close monitoring. Medication may include antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure, magnesium sulfate to avoid seizures (eclampsia), and corticosteroids to support foetal lung development if early delivery is anticipated.
Delivery & Post-Delivery Care
If mild, delivery may be planned around 37 weeks; severe cases may need earlier delivery, vaginally or by caesarean depending on the mother and baby's condition. After delivery, close observation continues for high blood pressure and signs of postpartum pre-eclampsia, such as severe headaches, vision changes, and abdominal pain.
A Fetal Medicine Specialist for Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy, whether routine or complex, benefits from expert care. Dr. Lida Anwari, a foetal medicine specialist with extensive UK NHS experience, offers advanced oversight for maternal and foetal health. She specialises in managing normal, high-risk, and complicated pregnancies, ensuring optimal outcomes for both mother and baby.
From addressing conditions like pre-eclampsia to providing personalised delivery plans, her comprehensive care ensures peace of mind. Dr. Lida Anwari also performs aesthetic gynaecology procedures, blending medical and emotional well-being. Trust her holistic approach to guide you through every step of your pregnancy journey.
Where Your Delivery Will Take Place
Dr. Lida delivers babies at Saudi German Hospital and Trellis Hospital in Dubai — both equipped for routine and high-risk deliveries with dedicated maternity and neonatal support, and covered by most major health insurance plans.
Saudi German Hospital
A leading multi-specialty hospital in Dubai offering advanced maternity, delivery, and neonatal care.
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Trellis Hospital
A modern Dubai hospital providing comprehensive obstetric and delivery services alongside Dr. Lida's antenatal care.
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