Preeclampsia screening is a continuous process integrated into your prenatal care, designed to identify potential risks for a condition that can affect both parent and baby. This proactive approach helps you and your care team make informed decisions about your pregnancy journey.
What it is
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by high blood pressure and often, signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly the liver and kidneys. It's a condition that requires careful monitoring. Screening for preeclampsia is a universal recommendation and is integrated into your routine prenatal care from your very first visits, just like your First Prenatal Blood Panel helps establish baseline health markers. This screening involves regular blood pressure (BP) monitoring and urine dip tests for protein at every prenatal appointment.
Beyond these routine checks, a first-trimester risk assessment can also be performed. This assessment considers your medical history, including any prior preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, autoimmune diseases, your age, and BMI. In some centers, specific first-trimester biomarkers are also used to refine this risk assessment. Understanding your individual risk profile early on allows for a more personalized care plan.
