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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Preeclampsia

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There are no known ways to prevent preeclampsia. All pregnant women should have early prenatal care. Blood pressure changes should be watched closely.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Preeclampsia may cause pregnancy complications, including the following:

increased risk for cesarean section

intrauterine growth retardation, a lack of normal growth of the baby within the womb

placenta abruptio, or separation of the placenta from the uterine wall

premature labor

stillbirth

suffocation at birth, or asphyxia

Preeclampsia can also cause the following health problems that affect both mother and baby:

acute renal failure, or kidney failure

disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, a clotting problem that causes widespread bleeding

eclampsia, with high blood pressure, coma, and seizures

HELLP syndrome, which includes liver and blood disorders

intracerebral hemorrhage and stroke

What are the risks to others?

Preeclampsia is not contagious. Both mother and baby are at risk for complications of preeclampsia.

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