Pre-eclampsia
Pregnant women can develop high blood pressure, which causes protein to leak from their kidneys into the urine, while also causing fluid retention. The condition is known as pre-eclampsia and most cases are usually mild.
Obstetricians take pre-eclampsia seriously, however, because it can retard the growth of the embryo. Some cases of pre-eclampsia can be controlled with blood pressure drugs, but this does not cure the condition.
The only way to alleviate pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby and the placenta as soon as possible, so an elective caesarean section will be necessary.
Pre-eclampsia is responsible for a significant percentage of premature births.
Some women with pre-eclampsia can go on to develop a serious complication called eclampsia, which is a life-threatening seizure.
Eclampsia can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in the final three months and in the first two days after birth.
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