What is Pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is thought to happen when the placenta isn't working properly.

It can make you and your baby quite ill if you don't receive the treatment you need. Pre-eclampsia causes the flow of blood through the placenta to be reduced. This means that your baby won't get enough oxygen and nutrients, which may restrict his growth. Pre-eclampsia usually happens in the second half of pregnancy, or shortly after the birth.

You're most likely to develop it after 27 weeks of pregnancy however our highly trained medical professionals can detect signs of this during our pregnancy ultrasound scans that are performed early in the second trimster. This special screening involves measuring the flow of blood in the vessels feeding into your uterus and placenta and provides information about the risk of developing pre-ecamplsia. 

The results can be discussed with your Obstetrician or midwife and any further action arranged in appropriate time. 

It's a very valuable insight used successfully across the World and is recommended, especially if you are considered to be in a high risk group for developing pre-eclampsia.

If you would like to discuss adding this option on to your pregnancy scan please call one of our team and we would be more than happy to help.