A recent study carried out by researchers at the School of Social and Community Medicine at Bristol University indicates that women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia when pregnant are at a higher risk of heart disease in later life.

The results of the British study, which covered nearly 3,500 women, showed almost a third were more at risk of cardiovascular disease by the time they reach 48 compared to those who did not suffer from pre-eclampsia whilst pregnant.

Pre-eclampsia affects about 5% of all first time pregnancies and is dangerous for both mother and child.  Around 500 infant deaths per year occur due to pre-eclampsia.

Symptoms, which show whilst pregnant, are high blood pressure and too much protein in the urine. There may also be sudden weight gain, swelling in the face and limbs, nausea, intense headaches and changes in vision. Some women who develop pre-eclampsia though, have no symptoms at all.

If diagnosed, women risk pregnancy related complications including miscarriage and stillbirth.

Abigail Fraser, from the university, said: “A woman who experiences complications during pregnancy should be proactive and ask her doctor about future cardiovascular risk and steps she should take to modify her risk.”

Our lawyers have dealt with many birth injury claims relating to a delay in diagnosis of pre-exclampsia.  If this has happened to you, contact us today for a free, no obligation, chat with a specialist.