Family history of pre-eclampsia

[StiffyByng]

Hiya. My mother died when I was a teenager and I had never heard any stories about her having difficult pregnancies, so I told the midwife all was fine. I've just been talking to my aunt who says that she had pre-eclampsia herself and thinks my mother did too. I'm not sure she's completely right, as I was induced after 41 weeks, but she was hospitalised for a short period before my brother was born and neither of us remembers why! She was 46 so things may have been hairy for all sorts of reasons.

When I tell the midwife this at my next appointment, will anything change? Have googled but although it's a risk factor, I can't see if they treat you any differently for being higher risk.

Hi, my mother had pre eclampsia with me and I did too having my daughter. Family history does increase your risk and so it's probably worth mentioning just so they keep a closer eye on you. They may just ask to see you a bit more often. You could easily be absolutely free of it though, but worth being on the safe side as it's a nasty thing - but outcome for daughter and I was fine as we were well looked after.

Mention it but don't worry too much - my mum had it when she was pregnant with me and was induced at 38 weeks (and hospitalised from 36 weeks), and I managed to persuade them to do a special scan at 25 weeks in my first pregnancy which can determine if you are at increased risk.

link

The scan showed no increased risk and I did not develop high blood pressure or any other signs of pre eclampsia.

If you don't get the scan just make sure you are aware of symptoms and your midwife knows there is family history.