Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can cause high blood pressure and organ damage. In El Paso, Texas, researchers have documented a nearly 25% prevalence rate of preeclampsia among a sample of 176 Latinas who used publicly funded prenatal care.

Understanding Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia has complex origins, likely occurring due to irregularities in how the placenta attaches to the uterine wall. However, only some pregnant women with these irregularities will develop preeclampsia. Researchers believe a combination of environmental, social, and individual factors play a role in the progression of the condition.

Elevated stress, exposure to environmental toxins, COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, and extreme heat are among the factors that can unleash a chain of physiological responses leading to preeclampsia. The medical establishment historically focuses on individual risk factors, but a focus on individuals tells only part of the story of preeclampsia.

Social Roots of Preeclampsia Risk

Some of the factors that put people at higher risk of preeclampsia include socioeconomic insecurity, past exposure to stressful and traumatic life events, severe mental health symptoms, and racism and discrimination. These stressors may activate physiological responses that contribute to the progression of the condition.

Researchers in El Paso are focused on understanding the social factors that contribute to the disproportionately high preeclampsia risk in the area. The city’s unique binational metropolitan community, with over 80% of residents identifying as Latino, provides a window into the broader problem of maternal health disparities.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.