Preeclampsia in African American Women

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Black Maternal Health Series

by Tara E. l July 23, 2024

Preeclampsia in African American women is a serious condition that can happen during pregnancy. It’s important to know about it because African American women are more likely to experience preeclampsia than other segments of the pregnancy population.Understanding preeclampsia can help keep moms and babies safe and promote Black maternal health. In this article, we will take a closer look at preeclampsia in African American women. We will address what causes preeclampsia, who is at risk for preeclampsia, treatment options, and how you can partner with your treating physician.

Understanding Preeclampsia

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a high-risk pregnancy condition that usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy. It involves high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. Common symptoms include:

Severe headaches
Changes in vision, like blurriness or seeing spots
Swelling of hands and face
Pain in the upper belly area
Nausea or vomiting

What Causes Preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t known. However, some factors can increase the risk. These include:

First-time pregnancies
History of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
History of high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy
Pregnant with more than one baby (twins, triplets)
Being overweight
Age (teen mothers or women over 35)

African American Women and Preeclampsia

About 5-8% of all pregnant women get preeclampsia, but African American women face it more often and with more severe consequences. Amazingly, African American women are about 60% more likely to develop preeclampsia than white women.

Am I at Risk for Developing Preeclampsia?

In addition to the causes we identified as causes of preeclampsia, there are some risk factors that may contribute to the higher rates of preeclampsia among African American women, including:

Genetics
Limited access to quality healthcare
Higher access to quality healthcare
Higher rates of chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
Stress from social and economic challenges

Preeclampsia Can Be Deadly

Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, including maternal mortality. African American women have higher rates of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are risk factors for preeclampsia. Compared to white women:

40% of African American women have high blood pressure
African American women face barriers to accessing quality prenatal care, which can delay the diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia
African American women are less likely to receive timely and adequate prenatal care
African American women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes

What are the Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia?

Mother’s Health

Preeclampsia can have lasting effects on a mother’s health. It can lead to:

Chronic hypertension
Heart disease
Kidney disease

Baby’s Health

Babies born to mothers with preeclampsia may face:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Developmental delays

How to Monitor for Signs of Preeclampsia

Your baby may show signs that it is experiencing some difficulty from mom’s preeclampsia.

The Baby

The baby may react to mom’s preeclampsia as follows:

Slow growth
Reduced movement
Distress

How to Monitor Your Baby’s Movements

To keep track of your baby’s health, you can monitor their movements:

Choose a time when your baby is usually active.
Sit or lie down comfortably.
Count each movement until you reach 10.
Contact your healthcare provider if you don’t feel 10 movements in two hours.

Postpartum Care

Health Risks After Delivery

Even after delivery, women who have preeclampsia need to be careful. They might have:

Ongoing high blood pressure
Risk of future cardiovascular diseases
Possible kidney issues

How Can I Reduce My Health Risks After Preeclampsia?

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercising regularly
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
Managing stress through relaxation techniques

How Do Physicians Treat Preeclampsia?

If diagnosed with preeclampsia, treatment might include:

Medications may be used to lower blood pressure
Close monitoring of the mother and baby
Early delivery, if necessary, to prevent complications for mom and baby

How Can You Participate in Managing Your Pregnancy?

Regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring
Follow a specialized diet and lifestyle advice from your physician
Access support services for managing stress and health conditions

Dietary Recommendations & General Advice

Ensure your diet contains enough calcium and magnesium. Not sure where to begin? We have you covered. Here’s what you need to know.

Eat More Green Leafy Greens

Make green leafy vegetables your priority. Sources of magnesium and calcium include:

Spinach: High in magnesium and calcium, spinach is a versatile green that can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various dishes.
Kale: Rich in calcium and magnesium, it is a great addition to smoothies, salads, or sautés.
Collard Greens: Offers a good amount of magnesium and calcium. They are often cooked or used in soups and stews.
Swiss Chard: This leafy green contains significant amounts of magnesium and calcium and can be enjoyed steamed, sautéed, or in salads.
Mustard Greens: These are packed with calcium and magnesium nutrients and can be used in salads or cooked dishes.
Bok Choy: Often used in Asian cuisine, bok choy is a good source of calcium and magnesium and can be stir-fried, steamed, or added to soups.
Turnip Greens: These are high in calcium and magnesium and can be cooked in various ways, including steaming, boiling, or sautéing.
Beet Greens: Often overlooked, beet greens are rich in calcium and magnesium and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach or kale.

Including various leafy greens in your diet can help ensure you get enough of these essential minerals.

More about Magnesium and Calcium in Preeclamptic Pregnant Women

How Calcium and Magnesium Help Moms Manage Preeclampsia

Calcium and magnesium are very important for moms with preeclampsia. Here’s how calcium and magnesium can help:

Calcium:

Lowers Blood Pressure: Calcium helps relax blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
Prevents Seizures: Getting enough calcium can lower the chance of getting eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia that causes seizures.
Helps Baby’s Bones: Calcium is needed for the baby’s bones to grow strong.

Magnesium:

Controls Blood Pressure: Magnesium helps keep blood pressure down by relaxing blood vessels.
Prevents Seizures: Magnesium sulfate is often given to moms with severe preeclampsia to stop seizures. It helps by calming the nerves.
Helps Muscles and Nerves: Magnesium is important for muscles and nerves to work properly, which can help with the muscle and nerve problems that can happen with preeclampsia.
Prevents Early Labor: By relaxing the uterus, magnesium can help stop early labor.

Combined Benefits:

Wider Blood Vessels: Calcium and magnesium help make blood vessels wider. This action lowers blood pressure and helps blood flow to the baby.
Electrolyte Balance: These minerals help keep the right balance of fluids in the body, which is important for staying healthy.

Eating foods rich in calcium and magnesium or taking supplements (if your doctor says it’s okay) can help manage preeclampsia and keep mom and baby healthy.

Next, you will want to:

Reduce salt intake
Eat beans
Limit your processed and fried food intake
Choose whole grains over refined grains
Stay hydrated

Conclusion

In closing, preeclampsia is a serious condition for African American women. By understanding the risks, monitoring health closely, and making lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage preeclampsia effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

You have the information to take proactive steps to protect your health. You may hold the power to protect the health of your baby.

References

•   American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
•   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
•   Preeclampsia Foundation