Which of the following is an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia?

• A. Periodontal disease
• B. Low blood pressure
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Adequate sleep

Answer: (A)

An independent risk factor is something that raises the chance of developing preeclampsia even after you adjust for other influences like BMI, age, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Periodontal disease fits this idea because it represents a chronic inflammatory state. In pregnancy, the systemic inflammation from gum disease can contribute to endothelial dysfunction and problems with placental development, which are central to how preeclampsia develops. Some studies still find that this association holds even after accounting for other risk factors, suggesting it can act independently to increase risk. The other options don’t fit this pattern: low blood pressure is not a risk factor for preeclampsia; in fact, high blood pressure defines the condition. Regular exercise and adequate sleep are generally protective for vascular health and do not independently increase preeclampsia risk.