Preeclampsia Day

Let us step into a world through this awareness blog where life intertwines with mystery, where the miracle of motherhood dances delicately on a tightrope. Today, we gather to ignite a flame of awareness and to throw light on a silent adversary that casts its shadow over pregnancy, transforming a journey of joy into a battle for survival. Inviting everyone to the remarkable realm of preeclampsia Awareness Day. 
 

May is preeclampsia awareness month. On this great day, we unravel the enigma of a condition that strikes unexpectedly, affecting pregnant women worldwide. The day is envisioned to recognize and improve preeclampsia awareness globally, culminating in its prevention and treatment. This yearly event serves as a global call to action for various local and government healthcare authorities and lawmakers to encourage the necessary measures to battle preeclampsia. 

Why Is Preeclampsia Awareness Day Celebrated

Preeclampsia is a condition that typically occurs around the 20th week of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This condition is sometimes also called “Toxaemia of pregnancy.” On the whole, it affects approximately 2 out of 100 pregnant women.  
 

The Prevalence of preeclampsia in hospital practice in India varies from 5% to 15%, and that of eclampsia is about 1.5%. In India, over the years, from 1976 to 2014, the risk of eclampsia ranges from 0.179 to 5%, with the average being 1.5%. A few steps can save the lives of over 800 women worldwide during pregnancy and delivery, particularly in poor and middle-income nations with the highest mortality rate (99%). In India, an estimated 4.5% of preeclampsia cases are documented. 

During these difficult moments, it is critical to recognize and delegate an event to raise awareness of preeclampsia and spread the word about its screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. With its expanding popularity, World preeclampsia Day successfully achieves the goals above. 

Goal And Theme For World Preeclampsia Day 

Preeclampsia goes beyond pregnancy!

The preeclampsia Foundation’s theme for 2023 is “Move preeclampsia Research Forward.” The goal for this day is to educate mothers and empower them to know that when it comes to their health and their baby's health. The day also embarks on raising awareness of serious preeclampsia complications. 

Signs And Symptoms Of Preeclampsia 

• Severe headache that doesn’t disappear even with medications
• Swelling of the face and hands
• Weight gain of more than 1 kg in one week
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea after mid-pregnancy
• Changes in eye vision
• Upper right belly pain/shoulder pain

If left unnoticed, the symptoms can develop into HELLP syndromes, such as Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. 

One of the most prevalent causes of preterm birth is preeclampsia. As the condition prevents the developing baby from being sufficiently nourished and supplied with oxygen, it is also related to a greater chance of the newborn being born too small and with low birth weight. There is an increased chance that the baby will develop heart and circulation difficulties later in life. Preeclampsia may also have long-term health consequences for the mother. Over 90% of women with severe preeclampsia develop chronic high blood pressure 20 years after pregnancy and are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. 

Importance Of Preeclampsia Screening 

Screen early! Act early!
 

Even though it is not visible from the outside, the condition begins during the first trimester of pregnancy. preeclampsia should be recognized as early as feasible to take preventive steps. 

Screening In The First Trimester

A blood pressure test, doppler scan, and blood samples from the mother for detecting certain proteins between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy can determine the risk of developing preeclampsia. The earlier the possibility of developing preeclampsia is identified, the more probable it is that therapy will be continued in a specialized center. 

Screening In The Later Trimester's

Blood test in the second and third trimester requires analyzing two placental proteins to predict the onset of preeclampsia about three to four weeks in advance. With this early detection frequency of antenatal care visits will be scheduled. Additionally, self-monitoring of blood pressure should be undertaken by pregnant women. 

Quick Facts 

• 1 in 10 women globally will experience preeclampsia during pregnancy
• Every 7 minutes, women die due to increased blood pressure during pregnancy
• The first pregnancy is one of the risk factors for preeclampsia
• Worldwide 76,000 women die each year from preeclampsia
• Preeclampsia survivors have 2-10 times increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

No Mother-No child; Face This Journey Alone.

As the echoes of World preeclampsia Day 2023 fade into the realm of memory, let us pause for a moment and reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. But our mission does not end here, for preeclampsia Awareness Day's impact extends far beyond this fleeting moment's boundaries. This call to action urges us to strive for greater understanding, improved medical care, and enhanced support for those affected. Together, we have made a lasting impact, and we will continue to shape a world where preeclampsia is understood, prevented, and ultimately conquered.