Probability of Developing Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage (often to the liver and kidneys), affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies in the United States. It typically develops after 20 weeks of gestation and can progress to life-threatening eclampsia (seizures) or HELLP syndrome.

Risk factors include first pregnancy, obesity, age over 35 or under 18, personal or family history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions (lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome), and multiple gestation. Black women are about 60% more likely to develop preeclampsia than White women.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal mortality, responsible for about 15% of maternal deaths in the US. The only definitive treatment is delivery of the baby and placenta. Low-dose aspirin (81 mg daily starting at 12-16 weeks) is now recommended for women at high risk and can reduce preeclampsia risk by about 25%. Women who have had preeclampsia face increased long-term cardiovascular risk and should receive ongoing monitoring after delivery.