subsequent pregnancy, obesity, prognosis?

[expert@preeclampsia.org]

I've just found out I'm 6 weeks pregnant and I'm not sure what to do. I had undetected pre-eclampsia for my first pregnancy and my son was born as an emergency at 30 weeks (the symtoms were mainly a lot of protein in the urine, very high blood pressure and swelling).

My blood pressure went back to normal pretty much after I had the baby, but I'm obese (BMI 39). Most of my family are begging me to terminate the pregnancy but, even though I'm really scared it could happen again, I'd like to carry one with it and have the baby. However the daily pressure they are putting on me is so high that I am now considering a termination myself.

Is there a chance I could have a normal pregnancy?

[expert@preeclampsia.org]

Yes, you do have a significant risk for developing severe preeclampsia again. Many women have successful pregnancies after one with severe preeclampsia. If you are in a care system that appreciates your risk, (eg. an MFM), the risk to your life and health will be very small. They should be watching you closely. Hospitalization and delivery if necessary will keep you safe. This does not necessarily mean that you will not deliver prematurely again.

From your e-mail address, you are in the UK? The health care system in the UK has a very developed system for triaging women at risk for preeclampsia.

The most important question: Do you want to have a baby? If yes, then arrange to be seen by a specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine and discuss appropriate care.