After instructing a primigravid client about how preeclampsia can affect the mother and fetus, the patient says preeclampsia can lead to which problem?

After instructing a primigravid client about how preeclampsia can affect the mother and fetus, the patient says preeclampsia can lead to which problem?

• A. Hydrocephalic infant
• B. Gestational diabetes
• C. Ectopic pregnancy
• D. Placenta previa

Answer: (A)

Preeclampsia harms the fetus mainly through placental insufficiency from abnormal placentation and maternal endothelial dysfunction. This reduces uteroplacental blood flow, leading to fetal hypoxia and growth restriction, as well as oligohydramnios; in severe cases it raises the risk of placental abruption and preterm birth. Hydrocephalus is not a recognized direct consequence of preeclampsia. The other conditions listed—gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa—have different etiologies and are not caused by preeclampsia. So, the expected fetal complication is not hydrocephalus; the relevant link is placental insufficiency with growth restriction and related issues rather than brain malformations like hydrocephalus.

Preeclampsia harms the fetus mainly through placental insufficiency from abnormal placentation and maternal endothelial dysfunction. This reduces uteroplacental blood flow, leading to fetal hypoxia and growth restriction, as well as oligohydramnios; in severe cases it raises the risk of placental abruption and preterm birth. Hydrocephalus is not a recognized direct consequence of preeclampsia. The other conditions listed—gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, and placenta previa—have different etiologies and are not caused by preeclampsia. So, the expected fetal complication is not hydrocephalus; the relevant link is placental insufficiency with growth restriction and related issues rather than brain malformations like hydrocephalus.