Causes of pre-eclampsia

The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not fully known. It is thought to begin in the placenta.

What is thought to happen

Early in pregnancy, the blood vessels that feed the placenta do not develop normally. The placenta then gets less blood, and releases substances into the mother's blood that damage the lining of blood vessels. This raises blood pressure and affects organs.

Factors that raise the risk

• First pregnancy, or a new partner
• Pre-eclampsia in an earlier pregnancy or in a mother or sister
• Twins or more
• Long gap since last pregnancy, or pregnancy with IVF
• Age over 35, or under 18
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Lupus and other autoimmune conditions
• Obesity
• Migraine and sleep apnoea may add to the risk

What does not cause it

Pre-eclampsia is not caused by eating salt, stress, or anything the mother did. Salt restriction does not prevent it.

Possible contributors under study

Low calcium intake in some populations, vitamin D, inflammation and genetic factors.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Traditional texts do not describe pre-eclampsia, but describe aggravated Vata and Pitta in pregnancy. This is a conceptual framework and not an explanation of the cause.

When to get help

If you have any risk factor, tell your doctor early so that you can be monitored closely and be considered for preventive treatment.

Because the cause starts early and silently in the placenta, nothing you do in daily life, such as rest or diet changes alone, reliably prevents it. What helps is early detection and treatment.

Remember

Pre-eclampsia starts in the placenta and is not your fault. Early monitoring protects you and your baby.