There are a number of factors that may make you more at risk of developing pre-eclampsia in a particular pregnancy. In a systematic review of evidence conducted by Kirsten Duckitt of Oxford University for Action on Pre-eclampsia in 2005, the following were identified as significant risk factors. It is worth bearing in mind when reading the risk factors, that only two in 100 pregnancies are affected by true proteinuric pre-eclampsia.

1st Pregnancy
The very fact that you are experiencing your first pregnancy makes you more at risk of pre-eclampsia. If it is your first pregnancy, your risk of developing pre-eclampsia is almost 3 times as high as someone who has been pregnant before and has not developed pre-eclampsia. Remember though that your risk is still relatively small and most women in their first pregnancies enjoy a safe pre-eclampsia free pregnancy.

Previous pre-eclampsia
If you have had pre-eclampsia before then you are almost 8 times as likely to get pre-eclampsia in your next pregnancy. The actual risk of developing the disorder will depend on a number of other factors such as when you initially developed pre-eclampsia in your pregnancy and how acute it was. If you have had previous pre-eclampsia it is important that you let your health care professionals know the details. There is research to show that if you do develop pre-eclampsia again, on average, it is likely to be up to a couple of weeks later in onset and milder than previously experienced.

Being over 40 years of age
Being over 40 years of age makes you, on average, about twice as likely to develop pre-eclampsia.

A multiple pregnancy
Having a twin pregnancy makes you almost 3 times as likely to develop pre-eclampsia. There is not enough evidence to show what level of risk you may have from having a triplet or other multiple pregnancy.

A BMI (Body Mass Index)of over 35 at your booking appointment
Obesity is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia. If you have a high BMI when you go to your first booking appointment, you are likely to be one and a half times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia.

Family history of pre-eclampsia
There is a known genetic element to pre-eclampsia. If your mother or sister have had previous pre-eclampsia then you are almost 3 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. It is important to tell your midwife or doctor about any history of pre-eclampsia in your family.

10 years or more since your last baby
If you have left a considerable gap between pregnancies then you are at greater risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Underlying problems
If you suffer from pre-existing hypertension, diabetes or antiphospholipid syndrome then you are at higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia and you should inform your healthcare professional of these issues.

PDF Download

Audio Download