Types of pre-eclampsia

Hypertension in pregnancy is divided into several types, and pre-eclampsia is one of them.

Types of high blood pressure in pregnancy

• Chronic hypertension: high blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks
• Gestational hypertension: high blood pressure after 20 weeks, without protein in the urine or organ damage
• Pre-eclampsia: high blood pressure after 20 weeks with protein in the urine or signs of organ involvement
• Chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia: pre-eclampsia in a woman who already has high blood pressure
• Eclampsia: pre-eclampsia with seizures

Pre-eclampsia by severity and timing

• Pre-eclampsia without severe features: raised blood pressure with less marked findings
• Pre-eclampsia with severe features: very high blood pressure, low platelets, abnormal liver or kidney tests, severe headache, vision changes, fluid in lungs
• Early-onset: before 34 weeks, often more severe
• Late-onset: at or after 34 weeks, more common
• Postpartum pre-eclampsia: appearing after delivery

HELLP syndrome

A severe form with haemolysis (red cell breakdown), elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. It needs urgent hospital care.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Traditional texts have no equivalent classification. Any comparison with Vata and Pitta is only a conceptual one.

When to get help

Ask your doctor which type applies to you, as monitoring and delivery timing depend on it.

Remember

High blood pressure in pregnancy has several types. Severe features need urgent hospital care.