Association between breastfeeding and preeclampsia in parous women: a case –control study

Abstract

Background Preeclampsia is a global health problem and it is the main cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Breastfeeding has been reported to be associated with lower postpartum blood pressure in women with gestational hypertension. However, there is no published data on the role that breastfeeding might play in preventing preeclampsia. The aim of the current study was to investigate if breastfeeding was associated with preeclampsia in parous women. Method A case-control study was conducted in Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan, from May to December 2019. The cases (n = 116) were parous women with preeclampsia. Two consecutive healthy pregnant women served as controls for each case (n = 232). The sociodemographic, medical, and obstetric histories were gathered using a questionnaire. Breastfeeding practices and duration were assessed. Results A total of 98 (84.5%) women with preeclampsia and 216 (93.1%) women in the control group had breastfed their previous children. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of preeclampsia (no breastfeeding vs breastfeeding) was 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64,7.70 and p value = 0.001 based on these numbers. After adjusting for age, parity, education level, occupation, history of preeclampsia, history of miscarriage, body mass index groups the adjusted OR was 3.19, 95% CI 1.49, 6.82 (p value = 0.006). Conclusion Breastfeeding might reduce the risk for preeclampsia. Further larger studies are required.

Relationship between Parity Status and The Incidence of Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women

“…Pregnant women with previous birth experience tend to have a more positive view of their current pregnancy and birth (Hauspurg et al, 2022). The mother's stress level will not skyrocket like it did in her first pregnancy (Adam et al, 2021). The risk of preeclampsia can be further reduced by maintaining a healthy and fairly strict diet during pregnancy (Hamzah et al, 2021).…”

“…Pre-eclampsia can occur before, during, and after childbirth (Adam et al, 2021). Preeclampsia attacks 3-4% of pregnant women, hypertension attacks 5-8%, and chronic hypertension attacks 1-2% of pregnant women (Garovic et al, 2020).…”