What is the approximate prevalence of preeclampsia in pregnancies?

What is the approximate prevalence of preeclampsia in pregnancies?

• A. 2%
• B. 7%
• C. 12%
• D. 17%

Answer: (B)

Preeclampsia affects a modest portion of pregnancies, and the best way to think about it is that its prevalence sits in a common range rather than a precise fixed number. Most sources estimate about five to eight percent of pregnancies are affected, so seven percent is the closest match to that usual range. Two percent is lower than typical estimates, while twelve percent or seventeen percent represent a much higher burden than is generally expected in the broader obstetric population. Of course, the exact figure can vary with definitions (preeclampsia with or without severe features, inclusion of gestational hypertension) and population risk factors, but seven percent is a reasonable approximate prevalence for most settings.

Preeclampsia affects a modest portion of pregnancies, and the best way to think about it is that its prevalence sits in a common range rather than a precise fixed number. Most sources estimate about five to eight percent of pregnancies are affected, so seven percent is the closest match to that usual range. Two percent is lower than typical estimates, while twelve percent or seventeen percent represent a much higher burden than is generally expected in the broader obstetric population. Of course, the exact figure can vary with definitions (preeclampsia with or without severe features, inclusion of gestational hypertension) and population risk factors, but seven percent is a reasonable approximate prevalence for most settings.