New Yorker: The Preeclampsia Puzzle

[fly]

Amazing article - thankyou so much xx

[picky_pooh77]

Thank you so much for sharing this article!!! This is a MUST READ for everyone.
Please let's not let this valuable research fall by the wayside.

[jennc730]

I am new to this whole idea. I had pe with my first baby. Is this saying that smoking can lead to this disease. I did smoke before I knew I was having a baby. So is this saying that is why I got preclampsia? I just do not understand

[blythe]

Jenn, welcome. Feel free to post in the "Ask the Experienced" forum - or any of the forums that fit for you! Just a short answer here - smoking is actually protective against PE - women who smoke get it less often. Smoking carries a whole bunch of other risks for the baby, though, so it's not exactly recommended.

[carjashaner]

Confession.... I did smoke throughout my pregnancy, of course once I delivered I was in the hospital recovering from the c-section and could not smoke there. I developed PE post partum and in fact almost lost my battle with the illness. I can relate to the fact that smokers that do develop PE may get it worse!!!

[jennc730]

thanks for the feedback. i was reading and just didn't understand. I had a very severe case of pe. I gained a whole bunch of weight in a very short period of time and had headached that would make me vomit, and very very high blood pressure.I actually lost my baby from a cord in the knot, and we are trying to figure out if because of what my body was going through is thats why she flipped and made a knot. After everything i have had every test there is i think and there is no reason why i got this besides it being my first baby.

[blythe]

Jenn, I'm so sorry you were so sick and that your baby died. You are very welcome here. The women in the Grief and Loss forum are especially wonderful if you need extra shoulders to lean on. You are right, "first baby" is the #1 risk factor.

[rosemary]

Jenn, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear daughter. We're here to answer any questions you might have, and please feel to post as often as you like. You have been through a lot, please remember to be gentle with yourself. Take care.