The Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Mothers and Babies

The Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Mothers and Babies

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects many expectant mothers, but its impact doesn't always end with the pregnancy. While the exact cause isn't fully known, it's thought to come from problems with blood vessels in the placenta. These vessels supply the baby with nutrients and oxygen. If the placenta doesn't work right, mothers are at risk of high blood pressure and damage to organs. 

Understanding the long-term effects of preeclampsia is crucial for ensuring ongoing care and support for both mother and baby. In this blog, our expert gynaecologist in Jaipur, Dr Pankhuri Gautam, will provide all the details about the long-term effects of preeclampsia on both mother and baby and how these can be managed to lower future risks! 

Let's dive into the details below to explore it all!

6 Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Mothers

Mothers who have experienced preeclampsia may face several long-term health challenges. 

#1 Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Health

Preeclampsia doubles the risk of chronic hypertension and heart disease later in life. This is due to damage to blood vessels and the heart caused by the condition. World Health Organisation WHO also claims affected women are also more prone to heart attacks, artery disease and strokes.

How to Manage: Get regular heart check-ups, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make good lifestyle choices. These actions help keep your blood pressure under control and support your health during and after pregnancy.

#2 Chances to Develop Chronic Kidney Disease 

The high blood pressure and inflammation associated with preeclampsia can cause stress and damage to the kidneys, impacting overall function. This makes the affected women more prone to developing CKD (chronic kidney disease). 

CKD can progress to kidney failure, which might need dialysis or a kidney transplant. To keep kidneys healthy, it's important to have regular kidney tests, controlled blood pressure, and a healthy lifestyle.

#3 Harm to the Liver Health 

Preeclampsia can harm the liver over time because high blood pressure and inflammation put extra stress on it. This can lead to liver problems like fatty liver disease. Chronic liver conditions can also result in liver failure and increase the risk of liver cancer.

To keep the liver healthy, it's essential to have regular liver tests and avoid alcohol and other substances that can damage the liver.

#4 Risk of Brain Damage and Disability 

Preeclampsia raises blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and cause blood clots that may lead to a stroke. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or even death. This can affect movement, speech, or memory.

Controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and possibly using medication to lower the risk are important.

#5 Depression or Anxiety 

Women who experience preeclampsia during pregnancy are more prone to depression and anxiety after childbirth due to several factors. 

• - The physical health impacts, including high blood pressure and organ damage, contribute significantly. 
• - Persistent stress and worry about health can elevate mental health feelings. 
• - Hormonal changes after childbirth can heighten mood swings. 
• - The traumatic nature of preeclampsia-related childbirth, such as emergency interventions, can leave lasting psychological effects. 
• - Additionally, sleep deprivation and a lack of support can intensify mental health issues. 
• - Concerns about future pregnancies further add to the anxiety and depression experienced by these women.

Enhance prenatal care to manage preeclampsia effectively and implement routine mental health screenings postpartum. Talk to your doctor or counsellor to know more. 

#6 Risk for Future Pregnancies 

Preeclampsia can lead to long-term high blood pressure, which is more likely to affect future pregnancies, too. It can cause placental complications and impair kidney functions, which can pose a significant risk for future pregnancies. 

Regular treatments and check-ups during the next pregnancy are essential to prevent further risks from falling. 

6 Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Babies

Babies born to mothers with preeclampsia may face several long-term health challenges. Addressing these effects early on is crucial for promoting their overall development and well-being.

#1 Premature Birth Complications 

Babies born early may have trouble breathing, feeding, and staying warm. Their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more likely to get infections. Premature babies might face learning difficulties and developmental delays as they grow.

#2 Low Birth Weight

Babies born with low birth weight due to preeclampsia face several long-term challenges, including developmental delays, chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, and growth problems. 

They are more prone to infections, respiratory issues, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems such as ADHD. Early intervention and continuous support are essential to promote healthy development and eliminate these risks.

#3 Respiratory Issues

Babies born with low birth weight due to preeclampsia are at a higher risk of experiencing long-term respiratory issues. These can include chronic lung diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition characterised by inflammation and scarring in the lungs, and a greater likelihood of developing asthma. 

Their underdeveloped lungs make them more vulnerable to respiratory infections and complications like pneumonia. Regular medical monitoring and tailored respiratory support are essential to manage these conditions and promote healthier lung development.

#4 Neurological Development

Babies born with low birth weight due to preeclampsia are at a higher risk of experiencing long-term neurological development issues. These can include cognitive impairments, where the brain's ability to process information is affected, and motor skill delays, impacting their physical coordination and movement. 

Such babies are also more prone to learning disabilities and behavioural problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Continuous developmental assessments and early intervention therapies are crucial to support their neurological development and help eliminate these challenges.

#5 Cardiovascular Health

Babies born with low birth weight due to preeclampsia are at a higher risk of experiencing long-term cardiovascular health issues. These can include an increased likelihood of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease later in life. 

The strain on their cardiovascular system from birth can also lead to atherosclerosis, where arteries become clogged with fatty substances. Regular cardiovascular monitoring and a heart-healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise, are essential to manage these risks and promote better heart health as they grow.

#6 Mental Health

These babies are also at a higher risk of experiencing long-term mental health issues. These can include an increased likelihood of developing anxiety and depression, as well as behavioural problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The stress of early medical complications can also impact their emotional resilience and social development. Regular mental health screenings and early intervention therapies are essential to support their emotional and psychological well-being, helping to mitigate these challenges as they grow.

How to Manage Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia on Mothers and Babies?  

Managing the long-term effects of preeclampsia on mothers and babies requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some key strategies for ensuring both parties' ongoing health and well-being.

For Mothers

• - Regular health monitoring to check blood pressure, kidney function, and cardiovascular health.
• - Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
• - Access to mental health services, including counselling and support groups.
• - Education about the long-term effects of preeclampsia and the importance of ongoing medical care.
• - Following prescribed medication regimens for chronic conditions.
• - Preconception counselling to assess risks for future pregnancies.

For Babies

• - Regular paediatric check-ups to monitor growth, development, and overall health.
• - Early and ongoing developmental screenings for cognitive, motor, and language skills.
• - Specialised medical care and monitoring for respiratory issues.
• - Proper nutrition support, including special dietary plans or supplements.
• - Regular assessments for behavioural and emotional development.
• - Access to early intervention programmes and special education services.
• - Educating families about the long-term effects and importance of regular medical care and developmental support.

Conclusion 

Preeclampsia can have lasting effects on both mothers and babies, but with the proper care and knowledge, they can manage these impacts effectively. Regular health check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and emotional support are essential for mothers. Early intervention, proper nutrition, and continuous medical monitoring are crucial for mothers and babies.

I, Dr. Pankhuri Gautam, a maternal and foetal health specialist, am here to support you every step. My expertise and compassionate care can help you manage preeclampsia. Visit our clinic to learn more and get the help you need.