Pre-eclampsia: Test change for pregnant women could save lives
A change in pre-eclampsia testing for pregnant women could help save lives.
The potentially-fatal condition affects around 6% of women, often during the second half of pregnancy.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) had recommended a test that could only rule out the condition, but now recommends more accurate tests that can diagnose cases.
The Welsh government welcomed the new guidance, but said routine screening had not been recommended.
Jeanette Kusel, director for scientific advice at NICE, said: "These tests represent a step change in the management and treatment of pre eclampsia.
"New evidence presented to the committee shows that these tests can help successfully diagnose pre eclampsia, alongside clinical information for decision-making, rather than just rule it out.
"This is extremely valuable to doctors and expectant mothers as now they can have increased confidence in their treatment plans and preparing for a safe birth"
Eleri Wyn Foxhall, 32, from Penygroes in Gwynedd had pre-eclampsia in 2020.
She welcomes the move, but called for women to be tested routinely.
She believes there is a general "lack of information" about pre-eclampsia, and wants more work to be done on early detection.
Source: BBC News, 26 July 2022