Understanding Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Mothers and Babies

What this Trial Is About

Preeclampsia PE is a serious pregnancy complication marked by new high blood pressure and signs of organ problems in the mother, often linked to issues with the placenta and blood vessel function. It can lead to negative outcomes for both mother and baby and increases long-term risks for heart and metabolic diseases. This study aims to create a detailed group of pregnant women diagnosed with PE to better understand the condition and its effects on mothers and infants. The study is observational and will follow about 50 women diagnosed with PE each year from their diagnosis through late pregnancy, delivery, and 8-12 weeks postpartum. Participants may have up to four study visits including optional visits after PE diagnosis and late in pregnancy, a visit at delivery for sample collection, and a postpartum follow-up. Researchers will collect clinical data, physical measurements, questionnaires, and biological samples such as blood, urine, saliva, vaginal swabs, breast milk, placental tissue, and umbilical cord samples. Participants and their babies will have assessments including blood pressure and heart function tests, body measurements, fetal growth scans, and questionnaires on lifestyle. Samples and data will be stored for future research. The main outcome measures include detailed assessments of the mothers metabolic and heart health from diagnosis through postpartum, as well as infant body composition and heart function at birth and postpartum. Data will be compared with healthy pregnancies for broader understanding.

Preeclampsia: Origin, Characteristics and Effects on Mother and Baby