The recent death of a character from preeclampsia on the popular television series 'Paradise' has brought renewed attention to this serious pregnancy complication that affects thousands of women annually. In Monday night's episode, Shailene Woodley's character Annie, a former medical student pregnant with her first child, died shortly after delivering her baby despite regular monitoring of her elevated blood pressure throughout her pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is defined as new-onset high blood pressure that typically begins after the 20th week of pregnancy, characterized by a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two recordings at least four hours apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preeclampsia occurs in an estimated 5 to 7% of all pregnancies, making it a significant public health concern. While most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies and fully recover, the condition can be life-threatening to both mother and child.
Symptoms of preeclampsia may include persistent headaches that don't respond to medication, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and rapid swelling, particularly in the feet. However, some women experience no noticeable symptoms, making regular prenatal monitoring essential. The American Heart Association notes that women with preeclampsia face increased risks of developing high blood pressure, neurological problems, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke later in life.
Currently, there is no regularly used test in the United States to predict preeclampsia, and no proven way to prevent gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. However, women at risk may lower their chances of developing the condition by taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy after consulting with their healthcare provider. For a healthy pregnancy, experts recommend getting early and regular medical care, monitoring blood pressure at home if instructed, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Treatment for preeclampsia depends on several factors, including the mother's overall health and the condition's progression. Medications such as beta-blockers (like labetalol) or calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine) are often prescribed to lower blood pressure. In cases where the mother experiences severe symptoms and is at least 34 weeks pregnant, experts recommend delivering the baby as soon as safely possible to prevent serious health complications. For pregnancies under 34 weeks, medication might be administered to help the baby develop before an early delivery. When the mother's condition is not severe, delivery at 37 weeks is typically recommended. Preeclampsia symptoms may continue after delivery but usually resolve within six weeks.
Resources for women's heart health throughout all life stages are available at GoRedforWomen.org. Additional information about preeclampsia statistics can be found through the CDC at https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2022/10/25/preeclampsia/.
