New Test to Predict Pre-Eclampsia Risk in Pregnant Women

Researchers at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London have developed a new blood test that can predict the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

The researchers observed the accuracy of the test among a group of 625 pregnant women, of which 61 percent had pre-eclampsia, and found that the test was able to accurately detect the condition in 96 percent of women who had a high risk of the condition.

The researchers said that the test can give out an accurate result within 15 minutes.

"Current tests only detect that it's happening, rather than predicting it, and by that time the disease has progressed and likely caused organ damage. The test identifies women at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia, so doctors can better monitor and treat the blood pressure. It also prevents unnecessary hospitalizations of those women who are not likely to develop pre-eclampsia", King's College London's Dr Lucy Chappell said.

Source: Medindia

Pregnancy and Complications

In-depth guide for expecting mothers to overcome health complications related to early or late pregnancy. Anemia, urinary infection, diabetes, premature labor to name a few.

Pregnancy and Antenatal Care

What is Antenatal care and its importance during pregnancy for mother and baby, with details on the medical test preformed during the first visit to the doctor.

Pregnancy and Diet

Pregnant women should pay special attention to their diet. The diet before and during pregnancy should be rich in calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Anemia in Pregnancy

Anemia is the commonest blood disorder that may occur in pregnancy and is usually due to low iron or folate reserves of the body and this is reflected as anemia.

Breech Presentation and Delivery

Breech birth or presentation is delivery of the fetus in a bottom or foot-first position. Causes of breech presentation include premature labor, uterine malformations and fetal abnormalities.