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What is Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia

The cause of Pre-Eclampsia is not fully understood, it is thought that the placenta does not develop properly because of a problem with the blood vessels supplying it. The placenta is the organ that links the mother's blood supply to her unborn baby's blood supply. Food and oxygen pass through the placenta from mother to baby.

 

 Although they are rare, a number of complications can develop if Pre-Eclampsia is not diagnosed and monitored. These can affect both the mother and her baby.   HELLP syndrome is a rare liver and blood clotting disorder that can affect pregnant women. It is most likely to occur immediately after the baby is delivered, but can appear any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and in rare cases before 20 weeks.









The only way to treat the condition is to deliver the baby as soon as possible. Once the mother is in hospital and receiving

treatment, it is possible for her to make a full recovery.