Risk Factors and Effects of Preeclampsia

What You Should Know about Preeclampsia

If you’re planning on having a family or if you are already pregnant – or know someone who is -- you should be aware of some important information concerning a potentially serious medical condition that affects women during pregnancy. The serious medical condition is preeclampsia which affects pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organ systems, most especially after the 20th week of pregnancy (Preeclampsia Overview, 2023). A growing body of extensive evidence-based research has shed light on various contributing factors to preeclampsia, including maternal age, obesity, first-time pregnancy, family history, and preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension (Zhang & Yue, 2022). In addition, inadequate prenatal care and socio-economic disparities have been linked to an increased risk of preeclampsia. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of immune system dysfunction and genetic factors such as a family history of the disorder in the development of this condition (Preeclampsia Overview, 2023).

Not surprisingly, preeclampsia is often a result of or linked to the social determinants of health, including financial stability, education access, neighborhood and built environment, healthcare access and social and community context) (Social Determinants of Health, 2023). For instance, financial stability plays a significant role in maternal health outcomes. Women facing financial insecurity may suffer from limited access to adequate healthcare, including most especially essential prenatal care. Further, preeclampsia can also be exacerbated when expectant mothers lack the financial and transportation resources for regular check-ups, monitoring, and access to specialist care. Financial instability can also lead to increased stress levels, which may contribute to the development or worsening of preeclampsia. Furthermore, disparities in income and socioeconomic status can adversely affect the availability of healthier food options and access to safe living environments, both of which are factors that can elevate the risk of preeclampsia.

It is also important to note that education is another crucial determinant of maternal health. Limited access to quality education can result in a lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of prenatal care and healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Women with lower educational attainment may be less informed about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, education can impact a woman's ability to make informed decisions about her health and advocate for herself within the healthcare system. Inadequate education can contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes, including the occurrence and management of preeclampsia.

To address the challenge of preeclampsia, a change in practice and policy is warranted. First, healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of early and regular prenatal care for all pregnant individuals, especially those at higher risk. This may involve policies aimed at improving access to healthcare services and promoting education on the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia among expectant mothers. In addition, there is also a growing body of research supporting the use of low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure for women at high risk of preeclampsia, which may warrant changes in clinical practice guidelines (Bryant et al., 2022). Likewise, public health policies should focus on addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including weight management, among women of childbearing age. By targeting these contributing factors and implementing evidence-based changes in practice and policy, it is possible to reduce the prevalence and severity of preeclampsia, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. In sum, stay alert for the warning signs of preeclampsia for a better future for you and your baby.