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 Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q: In my first pregnancy, I developed pre-eclampsia. What are the chances of this happening in my second pregnancy, and what can I do to prevent it?
A: A good question, but a rather complicated one. If you had true pre-eclampsia, which causes high blood pressure late in pregnancy, then you're not at any increased risk of developing it again simply because you experienced it with a previous pregnancy. But if you had the beginnings of chronic hypertension -- which is also high blood pressure -- there is a real risk of developing this condition again. The tricky part is trying to tell the difference between the two, which is almost impossible. Unfortunately, only time will tell.
And while there's no sure-fire means of preventing high blood pressure, some research has suggested that calcium supplementation may be helpful. (Talk to your doctor about dosage.) A well-balanced diet is also thought by some to offer benefit. In any case, it is important that you be watched carefully, specifically with respect to blood pressure, during the last half of your pregnancy. Even if the problem cannot be prevented, spotting it early will enable you to start treatment before any harm to you or the baby has occurred.
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