What is a significant risk factor for preclampsia?

High blood pressure prior to pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preeclampsia, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys, after the 20th week of pregnancy. Women who enter pregnancy with chronic hypertension have a greater likelihood of developing preeclampsia because their blood vessels are already under stress and may respond poorly to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as increased blood volume and changes in vascular dynamics.

The presence of elevated blood pressure before pregnancy indicates that the cardiovascular system may not be functioning optimally. This could lead to poor placental perfusion, subsequent placental ischemia, and the release of factors that contribute to the development of preeclampsia. Monitoring and managing high blood pressure before conception can, therefore, help mitigate the risks associated with the development of this pregnancy complication.