High-Risk Pregnancy Tool
An online calculator that will allow doctors to accurately predict a pregnant woman’s risk of developing serious complications related to preeclampsia (a complex medical condition characterized by a rise in blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine, and other symptoms, including dizziness) has been developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia.
Pre-eclampsia occurs in about five percent of pregnancies. If a mom-to-be develops life-threatening complications, preterm delivery may be recommended.
The online calculator is designed to help doctors to assess the risks in prolonging a particular pregnancy.
The December 23, 2010, issue of the medical journal The Lancet reported on the development of the new tool.
This article originally appeared in City Parent.