Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most frequently the liver and kidneys. This condition typically begins after 20 weeks of gestation, though it can also develop postpartum. Understanding the statistics of preeclampsia—including incidence, affected populations, and outcomes—is important for both public health efforts and individual patient awareness.
Global and National Incidence Rates
Preeclampsia affects a substantial number of pregnancies worldwide, occurring in approximately 2% to 8% of all pregnancies. The United States reports a similar rate, complicating about 5% to 7% of all pregnancies. Incidence rates in developed nations like the United Kingdom are estimated to affect up to one in 25 pregnancies, or about 4% of the total.
Preeclampsia is a primary contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity across the globe. The frequency of preeclampsia is not uniform, showing variations based on geographic, socioeconomic, and ethnic factors. Localized rates can be significantly higher or lower than the global average.
Maternal and Fetal Mortality Statistics
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia and eclampsia (seizures), are responsible for a large percentage of maternal deaths globally. These disorders account for approximately 10% of maternal deaths in Asia and Africa, rising to about 25% in Latin America. Worldwide, preeclampsia is linked to tens of thousands of maternal deaths annually, with some estimates reaching over 70,000.
For the fetus and neonate, the condition is associated with an estimated 500,000 deaths each year. Preeclampsia is a major driver of premature birth, as delivery is often the only definitive treatment for the mother. It contributes to between 8% and 10% of all early deliveries.
Infants born prematurely due to preeclampsia face a high risk of neonatal morbidity. Complications include respiratory distress syndrome, growth restriction, and neurological issues. The combined rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths among pregnancies complicated by eclampsia has been measured at over 56 per 1,000 in some studies.
Key Statistical Risk Factors
A woman’s chance of developing preeclampsia is strongly correlated with several verified factors. Nulliparity, or a first-time pregnancy, is a significant factor, as preeclampsia is twice as common in women who have not previously given birth compared to those who have.
A prior history of preeclampsia increases the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. The overall chance of recurrence is approximately 10% to 20%, but this risk escalates based on the severity of the initial episode. If the first case was severe or required delivery before 34 weeks of gestation, the recurrence risk can approach 50% in some populations.
Pre-existing health conditions also serve as strong predictors. Women with chronic hypertension or pre-gestational diabetes face a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Advanced maternal age (40 years or older) and a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater are independently associated with an increased risk.
Tracking Changes Over Time and Geographic Differences
The overall incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has shown an upward trend in recent decades across many regions. Globally, reported cases increased by nearly 11% between 1990 and 2019. This rise is attributed to changes in maternal risk factors, such as increasing age and obesity rates.
Significant disparities exist when comparing different groups within the same country. In the United States, the rate of preeclampsia in Black women is statistically 60% higher than in White women. These differences are often linked to socioeconomic factors and systemic barriers to healthcare access.
Geographic location also plays a major role in the burden of the disease. The incidence of preeclampsia is notably higher in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income nations. Some developing countries report incidence rates up to seven times greater than the rest of the world.