Risk of Preeclampsia in future pregnancies?

Question

I was diagnosed with Preeclampsia with my 2nd child at 38 weeks. I was rushed to an emergency C-section and then spent 6 days on and off magnesium in the hospital. Eventually I was sent home on two different blood pressure meds and was monitored in the doctors every other day. It was a scary experience especially since I was a heathy 28year old that had a previous uncomplicated pregnancy and no major health issues. I ended up being fine and it took a few weeks for my blood pressure to regulate and I haven’t had any blood pressure issues since. 
 
I am now 5 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby and needless to say that I am terrified of that happening again. 
Did anyone have Preeclampsia with multiple pregnancies ? Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

Answer

Once you have preeclampsia you’re at a much higher risk of developing it again. I developed it, along with HELLP, at 39 weeks with my son so my MFM dr gave me a 25-35% risk of developing it again in my second pregnancy. Luckily I didn’t develop it, but my placenta report showed signs that my placenta was failing again so I probably would have developed it if my baby had stayed in much longer than 38 weeks, which is when my OB decided to deliver her. Preeclampsia is an issue caused by improperly implanted placenta, which usually has to do with your dna mixing with the father’s dna. The only known preventative is taking baby aspirin (most drs will start you at 12 weeks), but that’s only 10-20% effective. It’s also a good idea to have weekly NSTs towards the end of your pregnancy, along with growth scans to make sure your placenta is still working properly. You also need to buy a good blood pressure monitor (Omron is a good brand) and start taking your BP daily once you’re past 20 weeks. Some people are even advised to take it 3x a day to be extra cautious. I started taking mine 1x per day starting around 19 weeks, then 3x a day starting at 30 weeks. I’m now 2 weeks pp and plan to take my BP daily until I’m 6 weeks pp. 
The good news is that most women who develop preeclampsia again in subsequent pregnancies develop it later and it’s less severe, but there are always exceptions. The bad news is that even if you only develop it once, it puts you at a much higher risk of developing heart issues in the future. If you are concerned or interested in learning more I highly recommend joining the preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome survivors group on Facebook. They were extremely helpful in guiding me throughout my second pregnancy and answering all of my questions.

Answer

I had preeclampsia with my first, fine with my second, and then post partum preeclampsia with my third.  With my fourth, they put me on a daily baby aspirin starting at 12w.  So far, everything is going great

Answer

I think it does increase your risk. Definitely check with your doctor.

Risk of Preeclampsia in future pregnancies?

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