Screening test detects pregnancy threat at 15 weeks

Cork researchers have developed a screening test which could detect the potentially life-threatening condition pre-eclampsia at around the 15th week of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia causes high blood pressure during the second half of pregnancy and affects about 3% of all first-time mothers.

Without an effective test for this condition, clinicians are unable to offer preventive measures to lower the risk of it developing.