Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes and risk factors 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
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.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Types of high blood pressure in pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia effects on mothers, babies and long-term health.
How pre-eclampsia is diagnosed with blood pressure and tests.
Healthy eating in pregnancy with pre-eclampsia.
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia and emergency signs.
How to lower pre-eclampsia risk with early antenatal care.
