Who is at risk for Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is more common in a woman’s first pregnancy and in women whose mothers or sisters had pre-eclampsia. The risk of pre-eclampsia is higher in women carrying multiple babies, in teenage mothers and in women older than age 40. Other women at risk include those who had high blood pressure or kidney disease before they became pregnant. The cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown and difficult to predict. Does high blood pressure mean I have Pre-eclampsia? Not necessarily. In addition to high blood pressure, women who have pre-eclampsia also have swelling and proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). Many women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy but do not go on to develop pre-eclampsia. Does swelling mean I have Pre-eclampsia? Swelling alone does not mean you have pre-eclampsia. Some swelling is normal during pregnancy. For example, your rings or shoes may become too tight. Swelling is considered worrisome if it does not go away after resting, if it is in your face and han
