Treatment For Preeclampsia During Pregnancy
Scientists have found that genetic errors increase the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in 10% of all pregnancies. This research provides genetic targets for new treatments and suggest that screening tests could one day identify women who are at risk of the condition, which also accounts for 15% of all preterm births.
Preeclampsia typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, and causes dangerously high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headaches and swelling of the hands and face. The only treatment currently is to induce delivery, which can be fatal for the baby if this occurs too early in the pregnancy. Preeclampsia results from a breakdown of the placenta, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to seizures, strokes, kidney and liver damage and breathing problems.