Walking May Help Pregnant Women At Risk.(Brief Article)

2001 OCT 4 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) --

A study focusing on whether daily walking can reduce the risk of developing a possibly life-threatening complication of pregnancy called preeclampsia is currently taking place at the Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI).

Women who have previously experienced the condition, also known as toxemia and characterized by high blood pressure, swollen ankles, and the presence of protein in the urine, have an even greater chance of developing the disorder in subsequent pregnancies.

"This is a complication that can have potentially devastating consequences," said Thelma E. Patrick, PhD, a research assistant professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, and the study's principal investigator. "In fact, it's one of the leading causes of maternal, fetal and neonatal disability and death."

Affecting about 7% of pregnancies, preeclampsia is more common in the second half of pregnancy. It also can develop during labor and after delivery. Other risk factors include maternal age of less than 25 or more than 35 years and preexisting high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease. Untreated, it can develop into the far more serious eclampsia, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death.

"Preeclampsia often strikes suddenly," said James M. Roberts, MD, MWRI director and a professor and vice chairman of research in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Female relatives of women who have had preeclampsia are as much as three times more likely to develop the condition themselves during pregnancy."

Up to 20% of cases are among women ...