Understanding Preeclampsia: How It Affects Pregnancy and Future Fertility

Preeclampsia is more than just a pregnancy complication—it’s a serious medical condition that can have long-term implications for both maternal health and reproductive potential. Often misunderstood or minimized, this hypertensive disorder demands informed awareness, especially for individuals on a fertility journey. For many, understanding preeclampsia is not just about navigating a current pregnancy but planning wisely for future ones. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh sees firsthand the silent impact preeclampsia and pregnancy can have on a woman’s body and her ability to conceive again. “Preeclampsia isn’t always a one-time event,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh. “It can leave lasting imprints on a woman’s cardiovascular and reproductive health. Our goal is to treat the condition, but also protect fertility going forward.”

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition defined by high blood pressure during pregnancy—typically emerging after the 20th week. It is often accompanied by proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), and can progress rapidly if left unmanaged. Unlike chronic hypertension, pregnancy-related hypertension such as preeclampsia is unique in its connection to the placenta. It involves vascular dysfunction that can restrict blood flow to the fetus, leading to complications that jeopardize both maternal and fetal health.

Symptoms to Watch For

Some symptoms of preeclampsia may appear subtle, while others escalate quickly. Common signs include:

• Persistent headaches
• Swelling in the hands, face, or feet
• Visual disturbances (blurry vision, light sensitivity)
• Upper abdominal pain
• Sudden weight gain
• High blood pressure readings

These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they appear in the second or third trimester.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

While the exact causes of preeclampsia remain under investigation, several contributing factors have been identified:

• Abnormal placental development
• Autoimmune disorders
• Genetic predispositions
• Poor vascular response
• Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease

As Dr. Hosseinzadeh explains, “We believe a key trigger for preeclampsia is improper blood vessel formation early in pregnancy. This limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients, which leads to a cascade of inflammatory responses.”

Risk Factors for Developing Preeclampsia

Certain individuals are more prone to developing the condition, especially those who:

• Are pregnant for the first time
• Have a history of preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy
• Are over the age of 35
• Carry multiple fetuses (twins, triplets)
• Have underlying hypertension or autoimmune disorders

How Preeclampsia Affects Pregnancy

The effects of preeclampsia in pregnancy can be profound. It can increase the likelihood of:

• Preterm delivery
• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
• Placental abruption
• Emergency cesarean section
• Stillbirth in extreme cases

How preeclampsia affects pregnancy often depends on the severity and the gestational age at onset. In mild cases, close monitoring may allow for a full-term delivery. In severe cases, early induction or delivery may be the safest option.

Effects of Preeclampsia on Fertility

Many patients are surprised to learn that preeclampsia and future fertility are connected. While the condition itself doesn’t directly cause infertility, the complications that follow can compromise reproductive potential. Long-term risks include:

• Uterine scarring or damage from emergency procedures
• Hormonal imbalances from postpartum complications
• Increased risk of infertility after pregnancy complications
• Heightened risk of preeclampsia in future pregnancies

“We often advise women with a history of preeclampsia to undergo a full fertility assessment before trying to conceive again,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh. “A strategic plan can reduce risks and improve outcomes for both mom and baby.”

Fertility Care After Preeclampsia

The good news is that fertility after high-risk pregnancy can still be possible with appropriate care and preparation. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, patients receive one-on-one, tailored support to address both past and future reproductive health needs. Comprehensive fertility care after preeclampsia may include:

• Preconception cardiovascular screening
• Hormonal and ovarian reserve testing
• Uterine imaging for scarring or abnormalities
• Pre-pregnancy weight and nutrition counseling
• Personalized protocols for IVF or IUI cycles

Prevention and Monitoring

While not all cases of preeclampsia can be prevented, proactive steps can help lower the risk:

• Maintain a healthy pre-pregnancy weight
• Control existing medical conditions
• Start prenatal care early
• Monitor blood pressure closely during pregnancy

For patients undergoing IVF, understanding the impact of preeclampsia on IVF outcomes is crucial. Some studies suggest that egg retrieval and embryo transfer protocols may need modification in individuals with prior hypertensive disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions