The definitive treatment for pre-eclampsia is the delivery of the baby and placenta because the condition is driven by placental factors causing maternal endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. While antihypertensives and magnesium sulfate manage symptoms and prevent complications, they do not resolve the underlying cause. Prompt delivery halts disease progression and reduces risks of severe maternal and fetal complications, making it the only curative intervention. Timing of delivery balances maternal and fetal risks but is essential once the disease becomes severe or gestational age is viable.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, Cunningham F et al., 25th Edition.