Which risk factor is associated with preeclampsia?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Prior history of migraines
• C. Null parity
• D. Vegetarian diet

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that first pregnancies carry a higher risk for preeclampsia because the placenta undergoes a more challenging adaptation to the maternal immune system and paternal antigens. In a nulliparous pregnancy, spiral arteries in the uterus remodel less effectively, leading to placental ischemia. This triggers the release of factors that cause widespread endothelial dysfunction, raising blood pressure and causing protein leakage into the urine.

So, being in a first pregnancy is the best fit for a risk factor here. Regular exercise tends to lower overall cardiovascular risk and can help maternal health, so it’s not a risk factor. A prior history of migraines is not a recognized risk factor for preeclampsia. A vegetarian diet doesn’t by itself define a risk for preeclampsia.