20th June 2026

Background

Pre-eclampsia is a systemic syndrome in pregnancy that usually occurs after 20 weeks’ gestation, characterised by hypertension and proteinuria. The mechanism underlying pre-eclampsia has not been fully elucidated; however, it is thought to be related to abnormal placentation and inadequate trophoblastic invasion of the uterine spiral arteries, leading to vasoconstriction, increased systemic vascular resistance, and decreased organ perfusion. Eclampsia is a complication of pre-eclampsia, characterised by seizures.