Pre-eclampsia

This research was completed on 1 February 2008

Pre-eclampsia is a common condition affecting one in every 10 pregnant women at least mildly and it causes serious complications for one in 50. It is characterised by dangerously high blood pressure, headaches, kidney problems and occasionally fits in the mother. The baby often does not then grow well in the womb and if the condition is severe, the baby may have to be delivered early. Premature babies often have problems immediately after birth and can suffer long term disability. Every year between 500-600 babies and up to five mothers die as a result of pre-eclampsia. The reason why pre-eclampsia occurs is not understood. It is thought to be due to problems with the placenta and the lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) in the mother. These researchers are planning to study how the placenta and endothelium work in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. It may also be that the blood vessel lining continues to work badly after pregnancy making women more likely to have long-term complications with high blood pressure and heart disease. The aim is to help reduce problems in mothers and babies both during pregnancy and in the long-term.