Most of the long-term fetal effects are a direct result of preterm delivery, and many will improve with time. Increased risk of postpartum heart failure Stillbirth (pregnancy loss after week 20 of gestation) Let’s start by reviewing short-term effects from preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is dangerous because it can have immediate and long-term health effects for both mother and baby. Lack of social support: Black women are less likely to have support systems in place.īlack women also have higher rates of other conditions that are risk factors for developing preeclampsia, like: High rates of stress: Stress from systemic racism and discrimination may play a role. Unconscious bias : Biases about pregnant Black women can affect decision-making by healthcare providers. Lack of healthcare access: A lack of proper prenatal care prevents preeclampsia being diagnosed at early stages. Many social factors appear to affect the high rates of preeclampsia in Black women. ![]() ![]() Experts believe there may be several factors linked to the disparity. It’s not entirely clear why there’s a huge difference in the rates for this condition. Rates of preeclampsia are 60% higher in Black women than white women. Why are Black women more likely to experience preeclampsia? Placenta problems or growth problems with the developing baby Organ damage (evidenced by symptoms or abnormal kidney, liver, brain tests) The diagnosis of preeclampsia is confirmed if there’s evidence of high blood pressure along with at least one of the following: This is to look for protein in the urine, evidence of major organ damage in the blood, and blood flow issues to the growing baby. Your provider will also perform a physical exam with ultrasound and check your urine and blood tests. Systolic pressure (top number): 140 or higher andĭiastolic pressure (bottom number): 90 or higher Preeclampsia is a diagnosis based on multiple new high blood pressure readings: This can also lead to a premature birth if preeclampsia develops before the pregnancy is full-term. The only cure for severe symptoms of preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. Eclampsia involves the brain, and seizures and coma can occur. If untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia - the most severe form of the condition. It can also cause problems with the placenta. Preeclampsia will commonly affect the liver, kidney, or brain. Experts believe that it may be the result of a problem with the placenta that develops over time.Īlong with high blood pressure, there are often signs of organ damage in preeclampsia. There’s no known cause for preeclampsia, though many theories exist. In rare cases, it can develop up to 48 hours after delivery. But it can occur as early as week 20 of pregnancy. Preeclampsia usually occurs in the latter stages of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops in pregnancy. Let’s take a closer look at preeclampsia, what makes it so dangerous, and ways your provider can screen for it. ![]() ![]() While there’s no way to prevent preeclampsia, early detection and treatment can help save lives. In fact, preeclampsia is a leading cause of death for pregnant mothers - especially Black women. It’s the most serious form of high blood pressure in pregnancy and can have severe complications. Preeclampsia is a common condition that affects 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S.
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