Causes and risk factors of Pre-eclampsia

The reasons behind some women developing pre-eclampsia is not known.

The risk of it developing is higher in women who:

• Are pregnant for the first time.
• Have had pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies or a family history of it.
• Have a history of chronic high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or autoimmune disease.
• Are 40 years of age or older.
• Have a multiple pregnancy.
• Have obesity.
• Have undergone in vitro fertilisation techniques.