Postby libby123 » Thu Jan 19, 2012 07:16 pm
I definitely think that part of the explosion of diagnoses is from the improvement in health care. If you think about it, we are 22 years past the year 1990 now, and a lot of medical progress has been made in that time. I agree, I have noticed many women who have PIH or preeclampsia lately, I know at least 3 others.
I had a very slow moving pre-e, my proteins were only considered very mildly preeclamptic at 36 weeks, but I was constantly monitored for my blood pressure and protein levels from my 1st trimester because my hormone levels were so wacky they thought the placenta had not properly implanted. I took 3 24 hr urine tests, and saw my protein rise from 100 to 200 to 400 (doubling each time pretty much).
My mom said that when she was giving birth in the 1980s they only occasionally checked her blood pressure and when they did at my brother's birth, she was discovered to have pre-e but it was not diagnosed earlier.
Also, it may be due to the rise in obesity and overweight people as well, partially. I have some weight to lose, but because my placenta was damaged they think that it wouldn't have made a difference, so who knows.
Mommy to Sailor Ann, born on February 17th 2011 at 36 weeks by c-section due to PIH that slowly turned into preeclampsia.