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[1] [2] [86] The incidence of pre-eclampsia has risen in the U.S. since the 1990s, possibly as a result of increased prevalence of predisposing disorders, such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. [15] Pre-eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. [1]
Severe pre-eclampsia involves a BP over 160/110 (with additional signs). It affects 5–8% of pregnancies. [20] Eclampsia – seizures in a pre-eclamptic patient, affect around 1.4% of pregnancies. [21] Gestational hypertension can develop after 20 weeks but has no other symptoms, and later rights itself, but it can develop into pre-eclampsia. [22]
Maternal complications include superimposed pre-eclampsia and caesarean delivery. Fetal complications include preterm delivery, low birth weight, and death. Increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome play a key role in the increased prevalence of chronic hypertension and associated complications. [1]
A new blood test can be performed in a pregnant person’s first trimester to help assess their risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication.
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. [2] Gestational diabetes generally results in few symptoms; [2] however, obesity increases the rate of pre-eclampsia, cesarean sections, and embryo macrosomia, as well as gestational diabetes. [2]
Eclampsia, like pre-eclampsia, tends to occur more commonly in first pregnancies than subsequent pregnancies. [38] [39] [40] Women who have long term high blood pressure before becoming pregnant have a greater risk of pre-eclampsia. [38] [39] Patients who have gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia have an increased risk of eclampsia. [41]
Maternal obesity is a rising epidemic among pregnant women, that is detrimental to both the health of the baby and the mother. Obesity leads pregnant women to develop gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and increase the risk of stillbirth and numerous congenital anomalies.
Preeclampsia is a leading cause of fetal complications, which include low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Women with preeclampsia are encouraged to deliver the child after 37 weeks of gestation to minimize the risks of the severe complications. [13]