PEARLS
Preeclampsia Research Laboratories
Antenatal care
The regular antenatal vists are designed to increase in frequency in later pregnancy. This increase is in order to assess the likely ability of the baby to be delivered vaginally, and to assess the growth and development of the baby; but of equal importance, the blood pressure and urine are screened for preeclampsia.
If the blood pressure is increased at any time before the delivery, then women may be requested to have more frequent blood pressure readings. They might be asked to visit a day stay unit where the blood pressures are taken for a few hours (rather than a one off reading) and the baby is assessed.
If increased blood pressure alone develops, some units may start tablets to lower the blood pressure (or at least prevent further rises in blood pressure). If other features of preeclampsia occur, such as headaches or liver pain, then admission to hopsital is likely to be required in a multidisciplinary centre such as a major teaching hospital. It is likely that blood pressure specialists will be involved early in the decision about the use of tablets and the possible timing of the delivery.
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