Treatment of Pre-eclampsia

The treatment for pregnant women who have pre-eclampsia is to give birth.

This is not always possible, of course, as it may be too early for the baby to survive outside the womb. If an early delivery is not possible because the pregnancy is too early, steps can be taken to manage pre-eclampsia until the baby reaches greater maturity. These measures include lowering blood pressure and continuing to monitor the mother and baby.

If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, a normal diet should be followed, without reducing the recommended amount of salt.

In some cases, such as if pre-eclampsia is severe or if there is a risk of seizure, hospitalisation with a sedative medication (magnesium sulfate) may be necessary as prevention.

If the delivery needs to be brought forward, it does not have to be by caesarean section. However, a caesarean section is more likely in the earlier, more severe forms If the situation is not so serious, the doctor can use medication to induce labour and a normal vaginal birth can be performed.