The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) could be used to demonstrate failed placentation in pre-eclamptic mothers. Twenty pregnant females with (pre-eclampsia group) or without pre-eclampsia (control group) were included in the present study. Antenatal and post-delivery HIF-1α transcription factor levels were measured. A significant increase was observed in the HIF-1α levels in the pre- and post-natal pre-eclampsia mothers. The findings suggest that the levels of HIF-1α in the blood of mothers with pre-eclampsia decrease after delivery of the placenta. The results confirm that there is increased HIF-1α in pre-eclampsia and a steady increase in the levels of HIF-1α could be commensurate with the possibility of a patient developing pre-eclampsia at a later trimester.