Preeclampsia screening: Safety for you and your child
Dear expectant mothers,
We are pleased to be able to offer you preeclampsia screening from September 2023. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that can occur in the second half of pregnancy and is characterized by increased blood pressure and protein in the urine. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, water retention, and abdominal pain, among others. Worldwide, preeclampsia occurs in approximately 2-8% of pregnant women and is one of the most common causes of severe complications in both mother and child. If preeclampsia appears during pregnancy, only the symptoms can be treated and, if necessary, a worsening of the disease can be delayed. The causative therapy for preeclampsia is delivery, which is why early preeclampsia before the 34th week of pregnancy can be very risky. You can also find more detailed information on preeclampsia in our guide article from 01/2023.
Preeclampsia screening is a test we can perform at the end of the first trimester to determine your risk for developing preeclampsia in your current pregnancy. The calculation is based on your anamnestic background risk, a standardized blood pressure measurement, an ultrasound examination of the blood flow to your uterine vessels, and a biomarker analysis in the blood. With the help of these factors, we can determine your risk profile. Should you be at increased risk of developing early preeclampsia during pregnancy, preventive measures can be taken to ensure the best possible care. Here, it is important to emphasize that not only prediction but also prevention is possible. This is achieved by administering low-dose aspirin, preventing severe early preeclampsia in up to 75% of cases.
National and international data show that pregnancies should be screened for preeclampsia. That is why we are pleased to be able to offer you this screening now also with us. Unfortunately, however, the costs of preeclampsia screening are currently not covered by compulsory health insurance. If you are interested in the investigation, please feel free to contact us.
