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Abstract: This is a review of the antenatal guidelines developed under the auspices of the charity Action on Preeclampsia since 2001. They are evidence-based and cover the screening and diagnosis of preeclampsia. They include a risk assessment early in pregnancy, referral for specialist input, a two tier schedule of assessment based on risk, signs and symptoms, referral for step-up care and confirmation of diagnosis, including blood tests. They describe methods for improving reliability of proteinuria testing, and reducing errors in the measurement of blood pressure. Management flowcharts are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the pre-eclampsia community guideline (PRECOG) and specifically how to screen for and detect onset of pre-eclampsia. Reasons the guidelines are needed; Background on development of the PRECOG; Definitions of terms used in the guideline; What to do before developing a care plan; What to do after risk assessment; Actions that should be taken at 20 weeks;Content of the assessment; Belief this is a practical extension of NICE's antenatal guideline. INSETS: Definitions of terms used in pre-eclamspia community guideline;What to do before developing an antenatal care plan;What to do after the risk assessment;What do do after 20 weeks (content of assessment)

The article presents a summary of recommendations from the Pre-Eclampsia Community Guideline (PRECOG) Group under the auspices of the charity Action on Pre-Eclampsia. The assessment of women with suspected pre-eclampsia by hospital midwives in day assessment units was covered by the recommendations. A table is presented that shows terms and their definitions used in the PRECOG recommendations. Minimum standards for facilities and staff are also cited, including allocating all women referred for further assessment to a name consultant.

The author discusses the report from the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths (CMAE) which reveals that substandard care has resulted in 20 out of 22 deaths related to pre-eclampsia in Great Britain. He identifies the report as disturbing as the organization considered the death as undoubtedly avoidable. He notes that the country had experienced decrease in maternal death from pre-eclampsia only twice since 1985.