Pre-Eclampsia Screening, First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy is very crucial to the baby’s development and requires regular check-ups. One such test includes pre-eclampsia screening in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-induced high blood pressure condition. Its screening helps identify and diagnose the condition early in its course. This condition develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can harm the foetus. Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy also causes harm to organs of the body and can be risky if there is already a complication.

Pre-eclampsia screening is hence essential because the condition can significantly affect the blood supply to the foetus. It may also affect the mother’s heart, disrupt liver function, and lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs.

During pre-eclampsia, the placental growth factor (PIGF) levels indicate normal or abnormal pregnancy. A low level of PIGF indicates pregnancy complications. Elevated protein levels are also tested in blood to confirm the presence of the pre-eclampsia condition.

Pre-eclampsia screening is essential because the symptoms appear after five to six weeks of fluctuation in the levels of the hormone and protein.

The symptoms of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy can manifest as:

Excessive weight gain,

swelling of body,

tightness in hands

headaches and pain in upper abdomen

• Constant heaviness in the head alongside frequent headach
• Low platelet levels in routine CBC test 
• Elevation in liver enzymes that might indicate damage to the liver
• Excess protein in urine test
• Abnormal weight gain during pregnancy 
• Sudden appearance of oedema that may not seem like a typical pregnancy symptom

Even though weight gain and oedema are common during pregnancy, sudden fluctuations in these could be abnormal. Hence, it is necessary to opt for pre-eclampsia screening in the first trimester to avoid complications and start the treatment on time.

During severe cases of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, premature birth is recommended. Further treatment and management of the condition depend on the pregnancy stage and the problem's severity. Pre-eclampsia screening is also helpful during routine tests to rule out organ damage due to pre-eclampsia.

Some women also develop pre-eclampsia after pregnancy, called postpartum pre-eclampsia. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Panda,Family Physician,Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad.