A SIMPLE test could warn pregnant women of a complication that can put both mother and baby at risk, like the one Melinda Messenger suffered, researchers say.
The America study, led by Dr Ananth Karumanchi, from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston shows a urine test can detect women who are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia earlier than normal.
Swindon's TV presenter Melinda Messenger had to have an emergency Caesarean after doctors diagnosed pre-eclampsia, which causes high blood pressure, blood clots and kidney damage.
Melinda gave birth to a healthy boy, Morgan, now four but not all women are so lucky.
Each year the condition is responsible for the deaths of up to 1,000 babies and six mothers.
The urine test means that doctors will now be able to identify the condition and plan the Caesarean operation rather than having to conduct an emergency operation.
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