AQW 22025/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health what plans he has to ensure that tests for pre-eclampsia are made available.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 8 September 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
8 September 2021
Answer due by
23 September 2021
Answered
14 January 2022128 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

Early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure and protein in the urine. All pregnant women who are booked to deliver in Northern Ireland attend antenatal appointments where blood pressure and urine checks are carried out routinely.

If a woman is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, she will be referred to a specialist in hospital for further tests and more frequent monitoring. In severe cases, the woman may need to stay in hospital for closer observation.

Official sources