Pre-Eclampsia Screening

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. 1 in 20 pregnant women are affected by pre-eclampsia. Screening for early-on-set pre-eclampsia is an optional test that is performed alongside First Trimester Screening.

Early screening (before 14 weeks) allows for early intervention, which can protect your baby's health. The risk is calculated from the mother's history, ultrasound and First Trimester Serology (Papp A, Free BHCG and Placenta Growth Factors). If your results indicate that you are at high risk of developing Pre-eclampsia, a simple treatment of low dose Asprin, under the direct care of your doctor, can help prevent the onset of the most severe type of the disease.

Pre-eclampsia screening involves:

• First Trimester serology
• Measurement of your blood pressure
• Measurement of your height and weight
• Your medical history
• Ultrasound of the uterine arteries performed between 12 - 14 weeks of pregnancy