risk factors for developing preeclampsia during pregnancy include: chronic (ongoing) high blood pressure (hypertension). chronic kidney disease. disease of the blood vessels (vascular disease). diabetes. high blood pressure in a past pregnancy especially before week 34. personal history of preeclampsia. family history of preeclampsia. obesity (more than 20% over ideal weight ) at the time of conception. if your weight is within this range the higher your prepregnancy body mass index the greater your preeclampsia risk. 7 multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets). first pregnancy ever first-time pregnancy with current partner or first pregnancy in the past 10 years. 8 age younger than 21 or older than 35. molar pregnancy. fetal hydrops which is caused by rh sensitization or an infection in the uterus. pregnancy from in vitro fertilization using donor eggs. 9 women with chronic high blood pressure have an increased risk of the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall ( placenta abruptio ). this risk may increase when: a mother smokes during pregnancy. preeclampsia develops in addition to chronic high blood pressure. a mother uses certain drugs such as cocaine. there is an injury to the uterus such as in a car accident or a fall. preeclampsia probably does not cause future high blood pressure. instead experts think that some women who have preeclampsia also have a higher-than-normal risk of chronic high blood pressure after pregnancy or later in life. 1 webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what increases the risk of getting preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy?