Long term risks
Pre-eclampsia also carries implications in adult life, with
offspring of affected pre-eclamptic pregnancies demonstrating
poor growth in childhood and an increased risk of hypertension,
heart disease and diabetes. Women with pre-eclampsia have a
3.7 times higher risk of later hypertension, a 2.2 times increased
risk of coronary heart disease, and an 1.8 times higher risk of
stroke.
All women who have had pre-eclampsia should be offered a
medical review at the postnatal review (6e8 weeks) after the
birth. Women who have had pre-eclampsia should be educated
regarding their increased risk of development of cardiovascular
disease, renal disease and cardiovascular risk factors for several
years following pregnancy and regular blood pressure checks
with their general practitioner should be recommended.