For many expectant mothers, discovering elevated blood pressure during a routine prenatal appointment is often the first indication of preeclampsia. This serious pregnancy complication can appear seemingly without warning, often with no symptoms, or with symptoms that vary greatly in severity from one person to another.
Understanding preeclampsia and its potential impact on your pregnancy is crucial. Being informed can help you take proactive steps to protect your health and your baby's well-being. Let’s address some of the most common questions about preeclampsia to help you turn knowledge into action and ensure the possibility of prevention.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia affects 1 in 12 pregnancies in the United States and can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. It is characterized by high blood pressure that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Although the exact cause has yet to be fully understood, preeclampsia is believed to stem from early changes in the placenta’s development. These changes may cause both the mother's and baby's bodies to work harder to get the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. Over time, extra work can lead to the onset of preeclampsia in the second or third trimester.
How could preeclampsia affect my baby and me?
Preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both mothers and babies, leading to serious lifelong health issues. For mothers, it can cause seizures (known as eclampsia), stroke, kidney and liver damage, and increased blood loss during delivery. Additionally, preeclampsia is associated with an increased lifelong risk of high blood pressure and heart disease for mothers, even if they do not experience a severe case.
For babies, preeclampsia can result in restricted growth (known as growth restriction), indicating that the placenta is not functioning well enough to nourish the baby. And since the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery, the baby may need to be delivered prematurely by induced labor or a Caesarean section (C-section). Severe cases may necessitate a NICU stay or a prolonged hospital stay for the family.
Determining the risk early allows for greater opportunities for preventive care and monitoring.
Can I know my risk for preeclampsia before symptoms occur?
In the past, identifying who might develop preeclampsia posed a huge challenge since symptoms often appear later in pregnancy. However, with advancements in medical technology, there is now a way to evaluate your risk early.
Encompass is a new, non-invasive blood test that can assess your risk of developing preeclampsia in the second trimester. This test can be ordered any time before 21 weeks, with a blood draw occurring between 18 and 22 weeks. By knowing your risk early, you and your healthcare providers can take proactive steps to monitor and manage your health, creating a tailored care plan that addresses your specific needs and helps prevent complications before they arise.
Is preeclampsia more common in first pregnancies?
Preeclampsia is slightly more common in first pregnancies, but preeclampsia does not only appear in first pregnancies. The condition can appear in any pregnancy without warning. Knowing your risk early is crucial, regardless of whether it’s your first or subsequent pregnancy. By having an action plan in place, you can take steps to lower your specific risk and help improve outcomes for both you and your baby.
Why are fertility treatments linked to a higher risk for preeclampsia?
There is some research indicating that pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) are more likely to develop preeclampsia, though the exact reasons are not yet fully understood.
By using Encompass early in pregnancy, you can learn your risk and work with your healthcare provider to develop a preventive action plan tailored to your needs no matter how you conceived.
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
Prevention is possible. Early detection and risk assessment can significantly reduce the chances of developing severe complications. Knowing your risk as early as possible allows for timely preventive care and monitoring, which can improve the outlook for both mother and baby.
Recent breakthrough research has made prevention more feasible. The Mirvie RNA platform, for instance, has helped reveal the underlying biology of pregnancy and predict complications like preeclampsia months before symptoms occur. This early insight enables proactive measures, providing a better chance for a healthy pregnancy.
Can I reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia before pregnancy?
Knowledge is power. Taking the time and effort to learn more about preeclampsia is the first and perhaps the most important step to help you better prepare for the path ahead. Discuss your specific risk factors and preventive measures with your clinician. Steps such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing existing health conditions, and being aware of your family medical history can be beneficial. Knowing your risk early in pregnancy is crucial, as it allows for the best possible preventive care and monitoring.
