Which statement about preeclampsia and socioeconomic status is supported by evidence?

• A. There Is No Relationship Between Preeclampsia and Socioeconomic Status
• B. Preeclampsia Is More Common in Low Socioeconomic Status
• C. Preeclampsia Is Linked to Only Older Maternal Age
• D. Socioeconomic Status Protects Against Preeclampsia

Answer: (A)

Preeclampsia risk is driven by maternal health factors and obstetric history, not by socioeconomic status itself. The condition stems from abnormal placentation and widespread endothelial dysfunction, with well-established risk factors such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, nulliparity, advanced maternal age, and multiple gestation. Socioeconomic status can influence the likelihood of these risk factors through access to prenatal care, management of chronic conditions, and health behaviors, but SES by itself does not independently cause preeclampsia. When studies adjust for chronic hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and access to care, socioeconomic status often does not emerge as an independent predictor of preeclampsia. Therefore, the statement that there is no direct relationship between preeclampsia and socioeconomic status is supported by evidence. Occasionally, associations observed with low SES reflect these mediating factors rather than a direct causal link; SES does not inherently protect against or directly cause preeclampsia, and older age or other risks are not sole determinants.