Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that involves high blood pressure and can damage organs like the liver or kidneys. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, though it can sometimes appear earlier or even after delivery. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening problems for both mother and baby, which is why understanding the risk factors and warning signs is so important.
Who Is at Risk for Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia can happen in any pregnancy, but certain factors raise your chances. You may be at higher risk if this is your first pregnancy, if you are carrying multiples, or if you are over age 35. A personal history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy also increases your likelihood of developing it again.
Chronic health conditions play a role as well. Women with pre-existing high blood pressure, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions like lupus are more likely to develop preeclampsia. Obesity before or during pregnancy is another well-established risk factor.
There is also a higher incidence of preeclampsia among Black women, which researchers believe is connected to both genetic factors and longstanding disparities in access to healthcare. If you have a family history of preeclampsia, particularly a mother or sister who experienced it, that also raises your risk.
How to Prevent Preeclampsia With Low-Dose Aspirin
There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, but current medical guidelines recommend that women who are at increased risk begin taking low-dose aspirin (typically 81 mg daily) starting between weeks 12 and 16 of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports this recommendation, and studies have shown that early aspirin use can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in high-risk women.
Your provider can help you determine whether low-dose aspirin is appropriate for your situation based on your individual health history. Attending all of your prenatal appointments, managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet are also steps that support a healthier pregnancy.
Preeclampsia Warning Signs and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Some preeclampsia symptoms are easy to overlook because they can feel like normal pregnancy discomforts. But certain signs should never be ignored. Reach out to your provider right away if you experience a severe headache that does not go away with rest or medication, vision changes like blurriness or seeing spots, or sudden swelling in your face or hands.
