Pregnancy Complications: New Study Shows Preeclampsia May Be Detected Early Through Blood Test

Preeclampsia is regarded as the second leading cause of death in pregnant women. Fortunately, a group of scientists has actually found a way to detect preeclampsia early on through a mere blood test.

In a report by Science Daily, scientists from Vienna University of Medicine has been successful in their attempt to find a means to diagnose preeclampsia during pregnancy without having to wait for the mother to reach full term. The scientists were able to identify biomarkers, which will help doctors predict the susceptibility of the mother to suffer from preeclampsia.

Normally, the condition is diagnosed in the later part of the pregnancy leaving the mother and doctor with a serious illness to contend with. Whereas through a blood test conducted early on, mothers will be given adequate advice with regards to her condition.

Preeclampsia, otherwise known as pregnancy poisoning, is a dangerous condition for pregnant women. It is one complication where the baby does not receive sufficient amounts of nutrients and oxygen. In this case, both the mother and the baby suffer.

There really are no early signs of preeclampsia, which makes it hard for mothers and doctors to identify the illness during the initial stages of pregnancy. One can only be wary of the symptoms which include weight gain, debilitating headaches and most of the time having high blood pressure.

There are also some women who seem to be at a higher risk for developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic has laid down some of the risk factors which include history of preeclampsia, having a first pregnancy, pregnant at 40 years old or more, and obesity.

Through the recent study, mothers may now be tested if they are at risk of suffering from preeclampsia. Many women have actually survived this illness including famous celebrities like Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian.