two year theory

[cmccaffrey]

Does anyone know if this only applies to pregnancies where you had preeclampsia or is it for every pregnancy you have? I am definitely NOT trying again right now, but I want to know if it would work to wait a few years. I don't want to increase my chances of getting preeclampsia after having a PE free pregnancy. I have no idea why I am even thinking about this with a 3 month old baby at home, but I just wanted to know if any of you knew.

[caryn]

It's any pregnancy - the idea is that the remodeling of the spiral arteries is most robust for the first two years after a pregnancy. That said, I know they've seen persistent effects even 7 years out in some studies.

[danielsmom]

Hey Christa,
I just wanted to chime in that I think it's completely normal to be thinking about this, even when you know its not going to happen for awhile. I felt some pressure by that two-year theory. I always felt that I wanted to have another child, but I couldn't imagine how I would be able to do it, even up to the point when Daniel was 2. Then this magical thing happened and he became so self-sufficient! We tried again when he was about 2 1/2, and all is well at 33 weeks!

[ross123]

well my doctor gave me 10 years to have another child, my son is 11 and so far i had 2 miscarige due to preclampisia .but my perinatology said wait 6 months .

[riehlism]

I've been thinking about that too, Christa. I am nowhere near thinking about another little one. But it's something that needs to be planned for on the horizon. Thanks for asking the question.

[afaiz]

Hey lady's

This might be a dumb question, but 2 years from delivery are from when you get pregnant?

[torian0319]

I had my second child seven yrs later and still had PE. I do not believe the two year theory. I do believe that every pregnancy is different and that your chances of getting PE for subsequent pregnancies does not necessarily decline, in fact, it still places you at high risk. But, I am just one story....others may have experienced differently. Good luck if you do try and enjoy your beautiful baby .

Torian

[hfeather2]

I'm new to the forum, so I have to ask...what is the 2-yr theory?

Heather
Mom to Jack, born at 28 5/7 weeks due to severe pre-e

[caryn]

Welcome!

It's the hypothesis that pregnancies conceived within 2 years of a preeclamptic pregnancy are less likely to become complicated than pregnancies occurring after that time.

Since these syndromes (PE, HELLP, what used to be called PIH and is now called GH for gestational hypertension) are thought to be driven by a shallow implantation of the placenta that results in symptoms as the fetus packs on weight, and since the bit of the uterus that the first placenta implanted into retains some of the changes of pregnancy for a few years and is easier for a second placenta to exploit, some docs will suggest conceiving again within a few years to try to avoid a repeat case. It depends, though, on both your individual pregnancy history, and the explanatory instincts of your care providers. Some of 'em don't think this is the primary problem, although it's becoming more and more well-supported as research progresses.

Here's a few more links: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=43429
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=43355
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=45487

Hope this helps!