Those first-trimester prenatal visits can be an exciting and welcomed part of pregnancy. However, week after week of peeing in a cup to check for signs of protein can get a little tedious. If you’ve ever wondered what protein in your urine and preeclampsia have to do with one another, or you’ve been already been diagnosed and want to know the long-term effects preeclampsia will have on your pregnancy and future fertility, read on.
What are the effects of preeclampsia on pregnancy?
Long-term effects preeclampsia has on the baby
Preeclampsia can cause a variety of health problems for baby as the condition contributes to about 15% of preterm births in the United States. Babies delivered before 37 weeks gestation face an increased risk of feeding and breathing difficulties and can develop hearing or vision loss and experience developmental delays.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) occurs when decreased blood flow through the placenta and causes fetal malnutrition, IUGR can contribute to the long-term effects of preeclampsia.
Some babies can experience the long-term effects of preeclampsia well into adulthood. For example, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) occurs when decreased blood flow from the placenta to the baby causes malnutrition. This can increase baby’s chances of having congestive heart failure or developing diabetes or hypertension as an adult.
Staying on top of your health after a preeclampsia diagnosis is key. Keeping regular appointments, controlling your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating right can help keep risk factors under control. While there is no cure for preeclampsia, The Preeclampsia Foundation is working to raise awareness and help improve the lives of those living with this condition.
