GITNUXREPORT 2026

Preeclampsia Statistics

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication affecting millions of women worldwide each year.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Preeclampsia symptoms include new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks with proteinuria ≥300mg/24h.

Statistic 2

Severe features: systolic BP ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥110 mmHg on two occasions.

Statistic 3

Proteinuria defined as ≥300 mg per 24-hour urine collection or protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3.

Statistic 4

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) in 10-20% of severe cases.

Statistic 5

Headache persisting despite analgesics is a severe feature.

Statistic 6

Visual disturbances like scotoma occur in 25% of severe preeclampsia.

Statistic 7

Epigastric or right upper quadrant pain in 40-50% of severe cases.

Statistic 8

Pulmonary edema present in 2-3% of preeclampsia cases.

Statistic 9

Thrombocytopenia <100,000/μL indicates severity.

Statistic 10

Elevated creatinine >1.1 mg/dL or doubling baseline is severe.

Statistic 11

Liver enzymes >2x upper limit in 20% severe preeclampsia.

Statistic 12

Fetal growth restriction in 25-30% of preeclampsia pregnancies.

Statistic 13

Oligohydramnios seen in 15-20% cases.

Statistic 14

Placental abruption risk 10 times higher.

Statistic 15

Diagnosis without proteinuria if new thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, etc.

Statistic 16

Edema in 80% but not diagnostic.

Statistic 17

Hyperreflexia with clonus in severe disease.

Statistic 18

Retinal changes like arteriolar narrowing on fundoscopy.

Statistic 19

Urine dipstick ≥2+ protein correlates with ≥300mg/24h in 90%.

Statistic 20

Mean arterial pressure >140 mmHg prompts evaluation.

Statistic 21

Uric acid >5.5 mg/dL supports diagnosis.

Statistic 22

sFlt-1/PlGF ratio >38 indicates high risk.

Statistic 23

Ultrasound Doppler: absent end-diastolic flow in 15%.

Statistic 24

Eclampsia seizures in 1-2% of preeclampsia cases.

Statistic 25

Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, with higher rates in developing countries.

Statistic 26

In the United States, about 4% of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia each year.

Statistic 27

Incidence of preeclampsia in first pregnancies is approximately 3.4%.

Statistic 28

Severe preeclampsia occurs in 0.5-1% of all pregnancies worldwide.

Statistic 29

Preeclampsia accounts for 14% of maternal deaths globally.

Statistic 30

In low-income countries, preeclampsia/eclampsia causes 10-15% of maternal mortality.

Statistic 31

Prevalence of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies is 10-20%.

Statistic 32

Nulliparous women have a 5-6% risk of developing preeclampsia.

Statistic 33

Preeclampsia recurs in 20-40% of subsequent pregnancies.

Statistic 34

Early-onset preeclampsia (<34 weeks) occurs in 0.38% of pregnancies.

Statistic 35

Late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 weeks) affects 2.31% of pregnancies.

Statistic 36

Global burden: 10 million women affected by preeclampsia annually.

Statistic 37

In Africa, preeclampsia incidence is up to 10%.

Statistic 38

Hispanic women in the US have a 5.5% preeclampsia rate.

Statistic 39

Non-Hispanic black women have 1.5 times higher preeclampsia risk than whites.

Statistic 40

Age >40 years increases preeclampsia risk to 10-15%.

Statistic 41

Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension affects 25-40%.

Statistic 42

IVF pregnancies have 1.5-2 times higher preeclampsia incidence.

Statistic 43

In Australia, preeclampsia affects 1 in 50 pregnancies.

Statistic 44

UK preeclampsia prevalence is 5.6%.

Statistic 45

Brazil reports 8-10% preeclampsia rate in public health system.

Statistic 46

India has preeclampsia incidence of 8-10%.

Statistic 47

China preeclampsia rate is 4.1%.

Statistic 48

Canada reports 3.7% preeclampsia prevalence.

Statistic 49

Europe average preeclampsia incidence 2-5%.

Statistic 50

Preeclampsia in adolescents <20 years: 4.8%.

Statistic 51

Women 35-39 years: 7.2% preeclampsia risk.

Statistic 52

≥40 years: 11.1% preeclampsia incidence.

Statistic 53

First birth after 30 years doubles preeclampsia risk.

Statistic 54

Preeclampsia/eclampsia responsible for 50,000 maternal deaths yearly worldwide.

Statistic 55

Magnesium sulfate prevents 50% of eclampsia seizures.

Statistic 56

Delivery is definitive treatment after 34 weeks.

Statistic 57

Expectant management <34 weeks if stable: prolongs pregnancy by 1-2 weeks.

Statistic 58

Antihypertensives: labetalol, nifedipine, hydralazine for BP ≥160/110.

Statistic 59

Low-dose aspirin 81-150mg from 12 weeks reduces risk by 10-24% in high-risk.

Statistic 60

Calcium supplementation 1-2g/day reduces risk 35% in low-intake populations.

Statistic 61

Bed rest not recommended; ambulatory management preferred.

Statistic 62

Fetal monitoring: NST twice weekly <32 weeks.

Statistic 63

Biophysical profile weekly after 32 weeks.

Statistic 64

Corticosteroids for lung maturity if delivery <34 weeks.

Statistic 65

Magnesium loading dose 4-6g IV, maintenance 1-2g/h.

Statistic 66

Postpartum BP monitoring for 72 hours.

Statistic 67

Preeclampsia resolves within 48 hours postpartum in 90%.

Statistic 68

ACOG recommends screening high-risk with uterine artery Doppler.

Statistic 69

Remote monitoring of BP reduces hospitalizations by 20%.

Statistic 70

Lifestyle: weight loss pre-pregnancy reduces risk 20%.

Statistic 71

No role for diuretics routinely.

Statistic 72

Timing of delivery: 37 weeks for mild preeclampsia.

Statistic 73

Cesarean if unstable or <34 weeks with severe features.

Statistic 74

Prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean reduce endometritis.

Statistic 75

Postpartum thromboprophylaxis if indicated.

Statistic 76

Long-term CV risk: 2-4 fold increase post-preeclampsia.

Statistic 77

Preeclampsia increases maternal stroke risk 5-fold long-term.

Statistic 78

Perinatal mortality 5-10 times higher with preeclampsia.

Statistic 79

Preterm birth <37 weeks in 25-50% of cases.

Statistic 80

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in 28%.

Statistic 81

Stillbirth risk 4-fold increased.

Statistic 82

Neonatal ICU admission 3 times higher.

Statistic 83

Maternal mortality 0.4% in severe preeclampsia.

Statistic 84

Eclampsia mortality 1-2%.

Statistic 85

HELLP syndrome mortality 1-2%.

Statistic 86

Placental abruption in 5-10% severe cases.

Statistic 87

Pulmonary edema mortality up to 5%.

Statistic 88

Cerebral hemorrhage in eclampsia: 25% of fatalities.

Statistic 89

Offspring CV disease risk 2-fold later in life.

Statistic 90

Maternal diabetes risk doubles post-preeclampsia.

Statistic 91

Chronic hypertension develops in 15-50% within years.

Statistic 92

Renal failure risk 10 times higher long-term.

Statistic 93

Early-onset preeclampsia: 20% perinatal mortality.

Statistic 94

Late-onset: <5% perinatal mortality.

Statistic 95

Recurrent preeclampsia: worse outcomes in 30%.

Statistic 96

In developing countries, case fatality 5-15%.

Statistic 97

US maternal mortality from preeclampsia: 70 per 100,000 cases.

Statistic 98

Fetal death rate 1.3% in preeclampsia.

Statistic 99

Neonatal mortality 0.6-1.2%.

Statistic 100

Long-term neurodevelopmental issues in 10-15% offspring.

Statistic 101

Maternal mortality ratio from preeclampsia/eclampsia: 16% of direct causes.

Statistic 102

In high-resource settings, maternal mortality <0.1%.

Statistic 103

Maternal age >35 years increases risk by 1.5-2 fold.

Statistic 104

Nulliparity raises preeclampsia risk 2-3 times.

Statistic 105

Obesity (BMI ≥30) triples preeclampsia risk.

Statistic 106

Chronic hypertension multiplies risk by 5-10 times.

Statistic 107

Diabetes (pregestational) increases risk 4-fold.

Statistic 108

Multiple gestation doubles to quadruples risk.

Statistic 109

Family history of preeclampsia raises risk 2-4 times.

Statistic 110

Black race/ethnicity has 1.5-2 times higher risk.

Statistic 111

Previous preeclampsia history: 15-20% recurrence risk.

Statistic 112

Autoimmune diseases like lupus raise risk 5-10 times.

Statistic 113

Smoking decreases preeclampsia risk by 20-30%.

Statistic 114

Partner with previous preeclamptic pregnancy: 2-fold risk increase.

Statistic 115

Short interpregnancy interval (<2 years) increases risk 1.5 times.

Statistic 116

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies: 1.75 relative risk.

Statistic 117

Gestational diabetes adds 1.5-2 fold risk.

Statistic 118

Renal disease history: 20-30% preeclampsia incidence.

Statistic 119

Thrombophilias (e.g., factor V Leiden) increase risk 1.5-2 times.

Statistic 120

High altitude living (>2500m) doubles risk.

Statistic 121

Low socioeconomic status correlates with 1.5 times higher risk.

Statistic 122

BMI 25-29.9: 1.7 relative risk for preeclampsia.

Statistic 123

BMI ≥35: 4.2 relative risk.

Statistic 124

Antiphospholipid syndrome: 40-50% risk.

Statistic 125

Prior fetal growth restriction: 2-3 fold risk.

Statistic 126

Hydrops fetalis history increases risk.

Statistic 127

Interleukin-6 gene polymorphism raises risk 2-fold.

Sources
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Imagine a complication silently affecting 1 in 25 pregnancies worldwide, a statistic that starkly contrasts with its devastating potential to claim a mother's life.

Key Takeaways

  • Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, with higher rates in developing countries.
  • In the United States, about 4% of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia each year.
  • Incidence of preeclampsia in first pregnancies is approximately 3.4%.
  • Maternal age >35 years increases risk by 1.5-2 fold.
  • Nulliparity raises preeclampsia risk 2-3 times.
  • Obesity (BMI ≥30) triples preeclampsia risk.
  • Preeclampsia symptoms include new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks with proteinuria ≥300mg/24h.
  • Severe features: systolic BP ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥110 mmHg on two occasions.
  • Proteinuria defined as ≥300 mg per 24-hour urine collection or protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3.
  • Magnesium sulfate prevents 50% of eclampsia seizures.
  • Delivery is definitive treatment after 34 weeks.
  • Expectant management <34 weeks if stable: prolongs pregnancy by 1-2 weeks.
  • Preeclampsia increases maternal stroke risk 5-fold long-term.
  • Perinatal mortality 5-10 times higher with preeclampsia.
  • Preterm birth <37 weeks in 25-50% of cases.

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication affecting millions of women worldwide each year.

Clinical Features

  • Preeclampsia symptoms include new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks with proteinuria ≥300mg/24h.
  • Severe features: systolic BP ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥110 mmHg on two occasions.
  • Proteinuria defined as ≥300 mg per 24-hour urine collection or protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3.
  • HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) in 10-20% of severe cases.
  • Headache persisting despite analgesics is a severe feature.
  • Visual disturbances like scotoma occur in 25% of severe preeclampsia.
  • Epigastric or right upper quadrant pain in 40-50% of severe cases.
  • Pulmonary edema present in 2-3% of preeclampsia cases.
  • Thrombocytopenia <100,000/μL indicates severity.
  • Elevated creatinine >1.1 mg/dL or doubling baseline is severe.
  • Liver enzymes >2x upper limit in 20% severe preeclampsia.
  • Fetal growth restriction in 25-30% of preeclampsia pregnancies.
  • Oligohydramnios seen in 15-20% cases.
  • Placental abruption risk 10 times higher.
  • Diagnosis without proteinuria if new thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, etc.
  • Edema in 80% but not diagnostic.
  • Hyperreflexia with clonus in severe disease.
  • Retinal changes like arteriolar narrowing on fundoscopy.
  • Urine dipstick ≥2+ protein correlates with ≥300mg/24h in 90%.
  • Mean arterial pressure >140 mmHg prompts evaluation.
  • Uric acid >5.5 mg/dL supports diagnosis.
  • sFlt-1/PlGF ratio >38 indicates high risk.
  • Ultrasound Doppler: absent end-diastolic flow in 15%.
  • Eclampsia seizures in 1-2% of preeclampsia cases.

Clinical Features Interpretation

Think of preeclampsia less as a single condition and more as your body's chaotic and dangerously overzealous attempt to draft a multi-system eviction notice for the pregnancy.

Epidemiology

  • Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, with higher rates in developing countries.
  • In the United States, about 4% of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia each year.
  • Incidence of preeclampsia in first pregnancies is approximately 3.4%.
  • Severe preeclampsia occurs in 0.5-1% of all pregnancies worldwide.
  • Preeclampsia accounts for 14% of maternal deaths globally.
  • In low-income countries, preeclampsia/eclampsia causes 10-15% of maternal mortality.
  • Prevalence of preeclampsia in twin pregnancies is 10-20%.
  • Nulliparous women have a 5-6% risk of developing preeclampsia.
  • Preeclampsia recurs in 20-40% of subsequent pregnancies.
  • Early-onset preeclampsia (<34 weeks) occurs in 0.38% of pregnancies.
  • Late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 weeks) affects 2.31% of pregnancies.
  • Global burden: 10 million women affected by preeclampsia annually.
  • In Africa, preeclampsia incidence is up to 10%.
  • Hispanic women in the US have a 5.5% preeclampsia rate.
  • Non-Hispanic black women have 1.5 times higher preeclampsia risk than whites.
  • Age >40 years increases preeclampsia risk to 10-15%.
  • Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension affects 25-40%.
  • IVF pregnancies have 1.5-2 times higher preeclampsia incidence.
  • In Australia, preeclampsia affects 1 in 50 pregnancies.
  • UK preeclampsia prevalence is 5.6%.
  • Brazil reports 8-10% preeclampsia rate in public health system.
  • India has preeclampsia incidence of 8-10%.
  • China preeclampsia rate is 4.1%.
  • Canada reports 3.7% preeclampsia prevalence.
  • Europe average preeclampsia incidence 2-5%.
  • Preeclampsia in adolescents <20 years: 4.8%.
  • Women 35-39 years: 7.2% preeclampsia risk.
  • ≥40 years: 11.1% preeclampsia incidence.
  • First birth after 30 years doubles preeclampsia risk.
  • Preeclampsia/eclampsia responsible for 50,000 maternal deaths yearly worldwide.

Epidemiology Interpretation

While the global threat of preeclampsia hides in a sobering 2-8% statistic, its cruel paradox is that it is both a common complication and a leading killer, disproportionately targeting first-time mothers, women of color, and those in developing nations with healthcare gaps.

Management

  • Magnesium sulfate prevents 50% of eclampsia seizures.
  • Delivery is definitive treatment after 34 weeks.
  • Expectant management <34 weeks if stable: prolongs pregnancy by 1-2 weeks.
  • Antihypertensives: labetalol, nifedipine, hydralazine for BP ≥160/110.
  • Low-dose aspirin 81-150mg from 12 weeks reduces risk by 10-24% in high-risk.
  • Calcium supplementation 1-2g/day reduces risk 35% in low-intake populations.
  • Bed rest not recommended; ambulatory management preferred.
  • Fetal monitoring: NST twice weekly <32 weeks.
  • Biophysical profile weekly after 32 weeks.
  • Corticosteroids for lung maturity if delivery <34 weeks.
  • Magnesium loading dose 4-6g IV, maintenance 1-2g/h.
  • Postpartum BP monitoring for 72 hours.
  • Preeclampsia resolves within 48 hours postpartum in 90%.
  • ACOG recommends screening high-risk with uterine artery Doppler.
  • Remote monitoring of BP reduces hospitalizations by 20%.
  • Lifestyle: weight loss pre-pregnancy reduces risk 20%.
  • No role for diuretics routinely.
  • Timing of delivery: 37 weeks for mild preeclampsia.
  • Cesarean if unstable or <34 weeks with severe features.
  • Prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean reduce endometritis.
  • Postpartum thromboprophylaxis if indicated.
  • Long-term CV risk: 2-4 fold increase post-preeclampsia.

Management Interpretation

In the high-stakes chess match of preeclampsia, we hold the line with magnesium and aspirin while the clock ticks, knowing that the ultimate move is timely delivery, after which we watch the board carefully for years because the game has a way of continuing long after the pieces are put away.

Outcomes

  • Preeclampsia increases maternal stroke risk 5-fold long-term.
  • Perinatal mortality 5-10 times higher with preeclampsia.
  • Preterm birth <37 weeks in 25-50% of cases.
  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in 28%.
  • Stillbirth risk 4-fold increased.
  • Neonatal ICU admission 3 times higher.
  • Maternal mortality 0.4% in severe preeclampsia.
  • Eclampsia mortality 1-2%.
  • HELLP syndrome mortality 1-2%.
  • Placental abruption in 5-10% severe cases.
  • Pulmonary edema mortality up to 5%.
  • Cerebral hemorrhage in eclampsia: 25% of fatalities.
  • Offspring CV disease risk 2-fold later in life.
  • Maternal diabetes risk doubles post-preeclampsia.
  • Chronic hypertension develops in 15-50% within years.
  • Renal failure risk 10 times higher long-term.
  • Early-onset preeclampsia: 20% perinatal mortality.
  • Late-onset: <5% perinatal mortality.
  • Recurrent preeclampsia: worse outcomes in 30%.
  • In developing countries, case fatality 5-15%.
  • US maternal mortality from preeclampsia: 70 per 100,000 cases.
  • Fetal death rate 1.3% in preeclampsia.
  • Neonatal mortality 0.6-1.2%.
  • Long-term neurodevelopmental issues in 10-15% offspring.
  • Maternal mortality ratio from preeclampsia/eclampsia: 16% of direct causes.
  • In high-resource settings, maternal mortality <0.1%.

Outcomes Interpretation

Preeclampsia is a masterclass in long-term collateral damage, leaving behind a sobering legacy of elevated risks for both mother and child that echo far beyond the final push of labor.

Risk Factors

  • Maternal age >35 years increases risk by 1.5-2 fold.
  • Nulliparity raises preeclampsia risk 2-3 times.
  • Obesity (BMI ≥30) triples preeclampsia risk.
  • Chronic hypertension multiplies risk by 5-10 times.
  • Diabetes (pregestational) increases risk 4-fold.
  • Multiple gestation doubles to quadruples risk.
  • Family history of preeclampsia raises risk 2-4 times.
  • Black race/ethnicity has 1.5-2 times higher risk.
  • Previous preeclampsia history: 15-20% recurrence risk.
  • Autoimmune diseases like lupus raise risk 5-10 times.
  • Smoking decreases preeclampsia risk by 20-30%.
  • Partner with previous preeclamptic pregnancy: 2-fold risk increase.
  • Short interpregnancy interval (<2 years) increases risk 1.5 times.
  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies: 1.75 relative risk.
  • Gestational diabetes adds 1.5-2 fold risk.
  • Renal disease history: 20-30% preeclampsia incidence.
  • Thrombophilias (e.g., factor V Leiden) increase risk 1.5-2 times.
  • High altitude living (>2500m) doubles risk.
  • Low socioeconomic status correlates with 1.5 times higher risk.
  • BMI 25-29.9: 1.7 relative risk for preeclampsia.
  • BMI ≥35: 4.2 relative risk.
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome: 40-50% risk.
  • Prior fetal growth restriction: 2-3 fold risk.
  • Hydrops fetalis history increases risk.
  • Interleukin-6 gene polymorphism raises risk 2-fold.

Risk Factors Interpretation

While motherhood is a masterpiece of biology, the statistics suggest it's best started on a fresh, healthy canvas free of certain prior sketches, invasive editors, or a high-stakes plot inherited from your family or partner's backstory.