What are the long-term effects of preeclampsia on mothers?

Preeclampsia can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems later in life. Some people may also face a higher chance of stroke.

How does preeclampsia affect the baby?

Babies may be born early or smaller than expected due to less blood flow to the placenta. In some cases, it can also affect their growth and health after birth.

Life After Preeclampsia: How It Affects Mothers and Babies

Preeclampsia is a condition that you may first hear about during pregnancy. But what many people don’t realise is that this condition is not always just a short-term concern. It can have an impact on you and your baby even years after delivery.

Talking about the long-term effects of preeclampsia isn’t meant to make you anxious. It’s about giving you perspective, so you can understand your body and your child’s needs better. And that knowledge is something you can carry with you long after the hospital visits are over.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related issue marked by high blood pressure and often signs of organ damage, like protein in your urine. It’s thought to arise from problems with the placenta’s blood vessels, which supply your baby with oxygen and nutrients. If these vessels don’t work the way they should, it can lead to complications for you and your baby.

Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Mothers

Preeclampsia doesn’t just fade away after your baby is born. It can leave a lasting impact on your health and increase the risk of several conditions later in life. This is what you need to know about how it might affect you long-term:

Increased Risk of Heart and Blood Vessel Problems: Preeclampsia puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, doubling your risk of chronic high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke in the next 5 to 15 years. This risk is even higher if you’ve had preeclampsia in multiple pregnancies or if your baby was born smaller than average.
Kidney Health Challenges: Preeclampsia can put a lot of strain on your kidneys because of high blood pressure and inflammation in the body. This increases the chance of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In severe cases, CKD might progress to kidney failure, where treatments like dialysis or a transplant are needed.
Liver Health Concerns: Preeclampsia can also affect your liver if it progresses to a severe form called HELLP syndrome. This involves liver dysfunction and low platelet counts.Over time, the stress from high blood pressure can result in fatty liver disease or, in rare cases, increase the risk of liver failure or cancer.
Brain and Neurological Risks: Preeclampsia can raise your blood pressure to very high levels. When that happens, the blood vessels in your brain can get damaged. This increases the chance of a stroke that may cause lasting problems with movement, speech, or memory. In more serious situations, preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia, which causes seizures and is life-threatening.
Mental Health Struggles: Going through preeclampsia can be emotionally tough. The stress of a high-risk pregnancy, physical health challenges, and hormonal changes after childbirth can make you more prone to depression and anxiety.
Risks in Future Pregnancies: If you’ve had preeclampsia once, there’s a higher chance it could happen again in future pregnancies. It can also lead to long-term high blood pressure or placental complications.

Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Babies

Preeclampsia doesn’t just affect you; it can also have lasting impacts on your baby:

Complications from Premature Birth: Preeclampsia often leads to early delivery (before 37 weeks). Babies born prematurely may struggle with breathing, feeding, or staying warm because their bodies aren’t fully developed. They’re also more likely to face infections or developmental delays as they grow.
Low Birth Weight Issues: Preeclampsia can restrict blood flow to the placenta and limit your baby’s oxygen and nutrients. This can result in low birth weight, which increases the risk of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or growth problems.
Respiratory Problems: Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk of long-term lung issues, like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (a condition involving lung inflammation and scarring) or asthma. Their underdeveloped lungs make them more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia.
Neurological Development Challenges: Low birth weight or preterm birth from preeclampsia can lead to neurological issues, such as cognitive impairments, motor skill delays, or learning disabilities. These babies may also face behavioural issues, such as ADHD.
Heart Health Risks: Babies may face a higher risk of high blood pressure or heart disease later in life. The early strain on their cardiovascular system can also lead to clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) as they grow.

How to Manage Long-Term Effects

Living with the effects of preeclampsia can feel worrying, but it’s not all bad news. Your health and your baby’s health are still very much in your hands. Take a look at how you can manage this condition:

For Mothers

Taking charge of your health after preeclampsia is very important. These are some basic steps:
Keep track of your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure cuff.
Eat a balanced diet low in salt, fat, and sugar. Exercise regularly and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol.
Seek counselling or join support groups if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about your emotional health.
Consult a specialist before trying for another baby. They may recommend preventive measures.

For Babies

This is how you can support your baby’s health and development:

Schedule check-ups to monitor your baby’s growth, development, and overall health.
Early assessments for cognitive, motor, and language skills can catch any delays. The sooner you notice them, the sooner you can get the right support.
Work with specialists for the right care if your baby has respiratory or neurological issues.
Follow your doctor’s advice on nutrition to promote healthy growth, especially if your baby was born with low birth weight.

Preeclampsia can feel frightening, but knowing what it means for the long term gives you power over your health. Stay in touch with your doctor, attend regular check-ups, and focus on healthy habits. Each step you take helps protect you and your baby. You’ve got this!

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Life After Preeclampsia: How It Affects Mothers and Babies

What are the long-term effects of preeclampsia on mothers?
Preeclampsia can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems later in life. Some people may also face a higher chance of stroke.
How does preeclampsia affect the baby?
Babies may be born early or smaller than expected due to less blood flow to the placenta. In some cases, it can also affect their growth and health after birth.