Which women are at increased risk for pre-eclampsia?

Women who are obese are indeed at increased risk for developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Obesity is associated with various hormonal and inflammatory changes that can predispose women to cardiovascular and metabolic complications, including pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, typically occurring after the 20th week of gestation.

Obese women often have underlying conditions such as insulin resistance and chronic inflammation that can contribute to the pathophysiological processes leading to pre-eclampsia. Additionally, obesity can increase stress on the cardiovascular system and influence placental function, further raising the risk for pre-eclampsia.

Understanding pre-eclampsia's risk factors is crucial for clinical practice, as it can help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients early and monitor them appropriately throughout their pregnancy to mitigate potential complications.