Surreal image representing preeclampsia and its impact on maternal blood flow.

Decoding Preeclampsia: How Early Detection Can Save Lives

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deeper dive into the latest research on preeclampsia, its impact on maternal health, and what you need to know about early detection and management."

Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation and excitement, but it also comes with its share of potential complications. Among these, preeclampsia stands out as a significant concern, affecting approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. This condition, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, typically arises after 20 weeks of gestation and can pose serious risks to both mother and baby if left unmanaged.

Recent research is shedding new light on the complexities of preeclampsia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies. Understanding the nuances of this condition, from its subtle initial signs to its potential long-term effects, is crucial for expectant mothers and healthcare providers alike. This article aims to demystify preeclampsia, offering insights into the latest scientific findings and practical steps for ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey.

Two studies provide valuable insights into different aspects of preeclampsia: one focuses on a specific marker for hemodynamic dysfunction, while the other examines the incidence of pre-eclampsia in the UK. By synthesizing these findings, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how to approach and manage this condition.

Understanding the Systolic Notch and Doppler Markers

Surreal image representing preeclampsia and its impact on maternal blood flow.

One of the studies investigates the presence of a systolic notch in the uterine artery as a Doppler marker of maternal hemodynamic dysfunction in severe preeclampsia. A systolic notch is a specific pattern observed during Doppler ultrasound, which measures blood flow velocity. This notch may indicate increased resistance in the uterine arteries, potentially affecting blood supply to the placenta.

The researchers focused on PWV, noting that when it's faster than blood flow velocity, signs of PW reflection should be present in the blood flow velocity waveform (FVW). Because maternal cardiac function is impaired by cardiac dysfunction and arterial PW reflection is increased during preeclampsia, a systolic notch coincides with the earlier arrival of a stronger reflected PW.

PW Velocity (PWV): This measures the speed at which pressure waves travel through the arteries.
Doppler Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique used to assess blood flow in the uterine arteries.
Hemodynamic Dysfunction: Refers to abnormalities in blood flow and pressure within the circulatory system.
Uterine Artery (UtA): The main blood vessel supplying blood to the uterus.

The study, although small, suggests that the timing of the systolic notch in severe preeclampsia is shorter than the PW travel time in normal pregnancy. This observation could help refine diagnostic approaches, potentially leading to earlier identification of at-risk pregnancies. Identifying the systolic notch may allow for earlier interventions to manage the condition and improve outcomes.

The Bigger Picture: Incidence and Implications

While the study on systolic notch provides insights into diagnosis, another study offers a broader perspective by examining the incidence of pre-eclampsia in the UK. The study reveals that the overall incidence of preeclampsia was found to be 1.92% of deliveries, which is lower than previous numbers. Further research is required to evaluate causes for lower preeclampsia incidence. Understanding how common preeclampsia is can help healthcare providers allocate resources effectively and implement targeted prevention strategies.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is preeclampsia, and how common is it during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia is defined by high blood pressure and potential organ damage that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While the exact cause is still under investigation, it's thought to involve issues with the placenta's development and function. The condition affects approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. Early detection through regular prenatal checkups is key for managing the condition and preventing complications.

What is a systolic notch, and what does its presence indicate in the context of preeclampsia?

A systolic notch is a specific pattern observed during Doppler ultrasound in the uterine artery, indicating increased resistance to blood flow. The presence of this systolic notch suggests there may be hemodynamic dysfunction affecting blood supply to the placenta. Identifying this notch early could lead to timely interventions to manage preeclampsia and improve pregnancy outcomes. This relates to maternal cardiac function which is impaired by cardiac dysfunction and arterial PW reflection which increases during preeclampsia.

How is Doppler ultrasound used in the diagnosis and management of preeclampsia?

The Doppler ultrasound technique is a non-invasive imaging method used to assess blood flow velocity in the uterine arteries. It's particularly useful in detecting indicators like the systolic notch, which can signal increased resistance and potential issues with blood supply to the placenta. It measures PWV, and when it's faster than blood flow velocity, signs of PW reflection should be present in the blood flow velocity waveform.

What is the significance of the systolic notch timing in relation to PWV (pulse wave velocity) in preeclampsia?

The study of the systolic notch focuses on the timing relative to PWV (pulse wave velocity), suggesting that in severe preeclampsia, the systolic notch appears earlier than the PW travel time compared to normal pregnancies. This difference could help refine diagnostic approaches, allowing for earlier identification of at-risk pregnancies. Understanding the interplay between PWV and the systolic notch is vital for improving the precision of preeclampsia diagnosis.

What did the UK study reveal about the incidence of preeclampsia, and what are the implications of these findings?

The UK study found the overall incidence of preeclampsia to be 1.92% of deliveries, a lower percentage than previous estimates. This finding is significant because it helps healthcare providers understand the prevalence of preeclampsia and allocate resources accordingly. However, it also raises questions about why the incidence might be decreasing, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential contributing factors. Effective allocation of resources depends on studies like these.