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Unexpected Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

December 9, 2017

Preeclampsia is responsible for roughly 20 percent of all premature births in the United States.1 The condition commonly occurs later in pregnancy and causes women to develop high blood pressure, as well as high protein levels in their urine.

If left untreated and in severe cases, preeclampsia can be fatal to mothers and their babies. Elevated blood pressure may put mothers at risk for brain injuries and impaired kidney and liver function, lead to blood clotting issues, cause fluid to buildup in the lungs, and lead to seizures.2 The condition also affects blood flow to the placenta, which may lead to low birth weight or premature births.2

The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown. Scientists are continuing to research factors that may impact the risk of developing preeclampsia. Recent findings have uncovered two environmental and genetic factors that may play a role.

Reduced Preeclampsia Risk with Daily Aspirin

A recent study found that administering 150 mg of low-dose aspirin led to a 63 percent reduction in the rate of preterm preeclampsia (resulting in delivery before 37 weeks) and an 82 percent reduction rate in early preeclampsia (resulting in delivery before 34 weeks).3 The finding prompted calls for low-dose aspirin to be routinely prescribed to women at risk for the disease. Researchers believed that the study is proof that women can take simple measures in the first trimester to significantly reduce the risk of developing preterm preeclampsia.3

Preeclampsia Risk May Be Inherited

Another international study examined the role that a baby’s DNA plays on preeclampsia risk. Research has shown that a woman is more likely to develop preeclampsia if her mother or sister had the disorder.4 A genetic predisposition for preeclampsia also appears to run in the families of men who fathered preeclamptic pregnancies.4 As a result of these initial findings, researchers conducted a five-year study to see if a baby’s inherited DNA played a role in preeclampsia. They found that the changes in DNA that are associated with preeclampsia are carried by more than 50 percent of people.4 The good news is that this particular DNA sequencing is not enough on its own to cause preeclampsia, but only plays a role in increasing the risk.4

Limit Preeclampsia Risk Factors With Healthy Habits

In addition to the risk factors noted above, a family history of the condition, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease also increase the probability of preeclampsia. It is recommended that women who are thinking of becoming pregnant begin practicing healthy nutritional habits right away to combat any lifestyle risks. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help obese women achieve a healthy or normal body mass index (BMI) and reduce its associated risk with preeclampsia.

Even with a balanced and healthy diet, many women have trouble meeting the daily recommended intakes for certain vitamins and minerals. Prenate® vitamins can help support mothers and their babies throughout pregnancy and through labor and delivery. The Prenate® Vitamin Family is committed to promoting women’s health. Talk to your doctor to see if a prenatal vitamin may be right for you to help fill nutritional gaps.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

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