Hellp and weight

[brismom]

I always felt that preeclampsia only happened mostly to someone overweight. I was 5'4 and 108 lbs. I also only gained 24 lbs. during my preg. and had no swelling at all during my bout with HELLP. Anyone else on the petite side experience PE and HELLP? I know it's a strange question but the specialist I saw said I had that in my favor for another pregnancy. He said my BMI was really good. I am grasping at straws at this point and trying to encourage myself to look at the positive things rather than the negative.

[amandaoasis]

I think that is a common misconception. I think there is some evidence that PE happens more often in obese women, but around here you will see that it happens across the board!

BTW...I am 5'6" and weighed 130 before I was pregnant, so a totally normal BMI.

[brismom]

It does affect everyone at anytime. I did everything right and know people who smoked during their preg. and come to find out that nicotine prevents preeclampsia even though it is harmful (never would do it or condone it). Thankfully my daughter was full term even though IUGR. As I contemplate another I am still eating super healthy in preperation. Couldn't hurt even if I decide not to.

[l412angel]

It all depends on the person. I was 125 lbs pre pregnancy and a runner. I am 5'1. I got very sick with hellp and PE one week in the hospital and weeks of recovery. We are TTC now.

[jules2]

I was 5'2" and only around 120 lbs when I got pregnant; I'm also really not carrying much fat as I've done a lot of weight training. I gained <14 lb during pregnancy (apart from the massive swelling at the end). It seems to happen to slim women too. I've also read that its more common in short women, and there do seem to be a lot of those around here.

I've seen one study though that did suggest that for those who had PE in a first pregnancy, recurrence was a bit lower with a low BMI though, so perhaps your specialist had this in mind. I kind of think its largely chance though.

Good luck.

[riehlism]

Typically they say overweight/obese is a risk factor because women who are overweight/obese are more likely to have blood pressure problems than their normal-weight counterparts. I actually have found a study in the literature that examines the overweight/obese who were normotensive prior to pregnancy vs the overweight/obese with chronic hypertension.

[jamilyn]

I had PE, Eclampsia and HELLP with my 1st, PE with my 2nd and PE and HELLP with my 3rd. I am in the normal BMI range and have been fit for my entire life.

[anonpreemiemom]

It certainly happens to women across the board in all shapes and sizes but obesity is a risk factor for preeclampsia and HELLP meaning it just increases the odds it will happen. Caryn has a post somewhere comparing it to holding a deck of cards with certain risk factors (like chronic HPT and obesity) upping the risk you'll pull the pre-e card.

So, looking at one or two or 20 examples of skinny women that didn't get it doesnt mean much. One has to look at larger studies covering hundreds to ascertain exactly what risk weight plays.

[sam10]

Here is the 'card deck post': http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39318

[jgrumet]

I'm almost 5'4" (ughh so close!) and I was 93lbs when I got pregnant.

I'm 102 now with a BMI just under 18 (still considered underweight even though this is how my body is)

I think overweight women are more susceptible to other health issues that put you at a higher risk for PE and HELLP (i.e. vit D deficiency, hypertension, PCOS (although I still think underweight women get that, too), high cholesterol...you name it)

I also think some people with just extremely fast metabolisms can go under the radar with certain diet related health issues...especially when they aren't eating correctly and not exercising.