One of the stars of the hit reality series “Real Housewives of Atlanta” has been rushed to an area hospital. As most fans of the show know, Kenya Moore Daly is pregnant and has posted regularly about her pregnancy on social media.
At the age of 47, her pregnancy is considered a high-risk for complications and unfortunately, a problem was discovered. She posted to Instagram recently:
@thekenyamoore I made fun of my swollen feet at @cynthiabailey10 party. Next day my tests came back for possible preeclampsia… I gained 17 lbs in ONE week due to severe swelling and water retention, high blood pressure, and excess protein in urine. This is NOT normal! I took more tests. Baby is fine but if they come back higher #babydaly will have to come same day.
Staying positive. To my pregnant sisters please go to your visits and tell the doctor of any drastic changes. Thank God I have great doctors.🙏🏾 #babydaly #highrisk #love #family #miraclebaby #kenyamoore #babybump #pregnantover40
Then yesterday she posted the following:
Tests confirmed, I do have preeclampsia. I will have to delver %BabyDaly early, but I am being closely monitored to determine when.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control:
Preeclampsia is defined as the new onset of high blood pressure (more than or equal to 140/90 mmHg)* on two occasions, at least 4 hours apart, or blood pressure readings of more than or equal to 160/110 mmHg in a woman with previously normal blood pressure. Learn about measuring blood pressure.
Risk factors for preeclampsia include:
- Primiparity (giving birth for the first time)
- Preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy
- Chronic hypertension, chronic renal (kidney) disease, or both
- A history of thrombophilia (an abnormal condition that increases risk of blood clots in blood vessels)
- Multiple babies in one pregnancy (e.g., twins, triplets)
- In vitro fertilization
- A family history of preeclampsia
- Type I or type II diabetes
- Obesity
- Lupus (an autoimmune disease)
- Advanced maternal age (older than 40 years)
Preeclampsia is accompanied by protein in the urine (proteinuria) and possibly other organ problems. These problems could include:
- Low blood platelet count
- Abnormal kidney or liver function, resulting in sudden weight gain, swelling of face or hands, or upper abdominal pain
- Fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing
- Changes in vision, including seeing spots or changes in eyesight
- Severe headache, nausea, or vomiting
Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy and most often closer to delivery. It can occur together with another high blood pressure condition. Preeclampsia affects 4% of pregnancies in the United States.
