Bronx Mom Credits NYU Langone Program for Helping Her Manage Preeclampsia
A Terrifying Experience
Bronx mom Amanda Perez is hoping to sleep in on Sunday for Mother’s Day — but she knows that’s not likely with two boys under 2. Perez’s sons are 22 months apart, but her pregnancies were worlds apart. Her first one was "terrifying" because she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a serious condition that’s responsible for over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths around the world each year.
A Frightening Diagnosis
Perez was diagnosed with preeclampsia before welcoming Lucas. She credits NYU Langone’s Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program, a Manhattan-based partnership of cardiology and maternal–fetal medicine, with safely guiding her through both pregnancies and kick-starting her healthier lifestyle.
The NYU Langone Initiative
The NYU Langone initiative, which began in earnest in 2022, focuses on identifying women at high risk for cardiovascular disease early in their pregnancy, closely monitoring them during the pregnancy and several months postpartum, and developing a plan to keep their heart strong for years to come.
Perez’s Experience
Perez was better prepared for her second pregnancy. Her blood pressure was down, she had lost weight, she had been walking more, and she had been ditching salty foods in favor of fish and vegetables after meeting with an NYU Langone nutritionist. "We see all these scientific reports that maybe within five to 10 years, women with preeclampsia could have cardiovascular health issues, maybe they develop long-term blood pressure issues and hypertension," NYU Langone maternal and fetal medicine specialist Dr. Christina Penfield told The Post. "What we’re trying to do is intervene early."
The Risks of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed midway through pregnancy. The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known, but it’s thought to be tied to problems with the placenta. Diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history of preeclampsia are among the risk factors — though there’s no absolute way to prevent the condition. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk, but once diagnosed, medication may be prescribed for severe cases.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment involves managing the condition until a healthy baby can be delivered — which can be challenging depending on how early and how severe the case is. Although the condition eventually resolves after birth, doctors will continue to monitor the mother’s blood pressure and other factors for weeks or longer postpartum. And, as Penfield noted, long-term health issues can persist years later.
Perez’s Second Pregnancy
Things went much more smoothly for Perez the second time around. She didn’t develop preeclampsia for her second pregnancy and welcomed Daniel on March 19. "I knew going in, if something happens, they’re going to catch it. They’re going to take care of me," Perez said of her NYU Langone support system.
Conclusion
Perez’s experience highlights the importance of early intervention and continuous care for women at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The NYU Langone Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program is a pioneering initiative that is helping to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
FAQs
Q: What is preeclampsia?
A: Preeclampsia is a serious condition that occurs during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Q: What are the risk factors for preeclampsia?
A: Risk factors for preeclampsia include diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history of preeclampsia.
Q: Can preeclampsia be prevented?
A: While there is no absolute way to prevent preeclampsia, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk.
Q: What is the treatment for preeclampsia?
A: Treatment for preeclampsia involves managing the condition until a healthy baby can be delivered, which may involve medication and close monitoring of the mother’s blood pressure and other factors.
Q: How can women get involved in the NYU Langone Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program?
A: Women can be referred to the program by their healthcare provider or can contact NYU Langone directly to learn more about the program and its services.
