pregnancy

Predict Prevent Prevail

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month and the Preeclampsia Foundation 2024 theme is Predict Prevent Prevail.

What is preeclampsia? Per the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia is “a life-threatening disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preeclampsia and related disorders such as gestational hypertension, HELLP syndrome and eclampsia are most often characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure, and even death of the mother and/or baby.”

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that occurs when the pressure of blood is consistently elevated and puts a strain on the walls of our arteries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates that preeclampsia occurs in 1 in every 12-17 pregnancies among women ages 20 to 44, and is characterized by hypertension during pregnancy that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia puts both the mother and baby at an increased risk of complications.

Mother's pregnant belly with baby slippers on top.

 What are the signs of preeclampsia?

Signs

  • Stomach and/or shoulder pain
  • Feeling nauseous, throwing up
  • Swelling in your hands and face
  • Headaches
  • Seeing spots
  • Gaining more than 5 lbs. in a week
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lower back pain

If left untreated, serious complications may arise.

Complications

Serious risks for mother include:

  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Organ damage
  • Death

Serious risk for baby include:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Death

If you’re wondering if there’s any way to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, I have good news! The Cleveland Clinic recommends taking a baby aspirin daily to decrease the risk of developing preeclampsia by about 15%. They also recommend taking steps to reduce the risk of hypertension prior to pregnancy.

Recommendations

  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Reduce sodium intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stay active
  • Consume alcohol in moderation (prior to pregnancy)

Interested in raising awareness of this life-threatening disorder? The Preeclampsia Foundation suggests becoming involved by:

You can also share information about the foundation through social media. Through raising awareness and informing others of the details of preeclampsia, we can provide education that will Predict Prevent and Prevail.

Written by: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences, Guernsey County, Ohio State University Extension, mathews-smith.1@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, lowe.495@osu.edu

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 19). High blood pressure during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/pregnancy.htm

C. C. medical. (2021, October 14). Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes, treatments & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17952-preeclampsia

Cleveland Clinic medical. (2023, May 1). High blood pressure: What you need to know. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high-blood-pressure#prevention

Preelcampsia Foundation. (n.d.). Preeclampsia – May is preeclampsia awareness month. Preeclampsia Foundation – Saving mothers and babies from preeclampsia. https://www.preeclampsia.org/AwarenessMonth#:~:text=May%20is%20Preeclampsia%20Awareness%20Month%2C%20a%20month%2Dlong%20communication%20campaign,threatening%20hypertensive%20disorder%20of%20pregnancy.

Preeclampsia – signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia Foundation – Saving mothers and babies from preeclampsia. https://www.preeclampsia.org/signs-and-symptoms

Photo Credits:

Pixabay.