Five Facts About Preeclampsia
May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and May 22 is World Preeclampsia Day, making May an ideal time to raise awareness about preeclampsia, a leading cause of death worldwide for women, fetuses, and newborns.
In the United States, preeclampsia affects about 1 in every 25 pregnancies, and it is responsible for about 15% of premature deliveries. Worldwide, preeclampsia affects up to 8% of all pregnancies, resulting in about 46,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal and newborn deaths.
Although certain risk factors may increase the risk of preeclampsia, it can affect any pregnancy. Many women may develop preeclampsia without knowing it because they may mistake warning signs (such as swelling of the face and hands, persistent headache, changes in eyesight, sudden weight gain, pain below the ribs, and more) as normal parts of pregnancy.
Regular prenatal care is essential to screen for preeclampsia and other conditions that may threaten the health of both mother and baby. At Childbirth Graphics, our commitment is to help nurture healthy babies and grow healthy families, including assisting expectant parents in understanding the importance of regular prenatal care. Our
pregnancy education materials and models are ideal to instruct expectant families about the role of prenatal care and a healthy pregnancy lifestyle for a healthy baby.
Read on to learn five key facts about preeclampsia and to discover some of our empowering educational resources covering preeclampsia and the importance of blood pressure monitoring for a healthy pregnancy.
Fact #1: Preeclampsia is a serious hypertensive disorder.
Some women have hypertension (high blood pressure) before they become pregnant or prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This type of high blood pressure is called chronic hypertension, and it persists after the baby is born. Other women may develop high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This condition is called gestational hypertension, and it usually goes away after childbirth.
Our
Hazards During Pregnancy Folding Display advises women who have chronic hypertension to talk to their healthcare professional if they are considering becoming pregnant or to visit their healthcare professional as soon as possible if a pregnancy is unplanned. Working with their healthcare professional to manage blood pressure is the best way to help ensure the healthiest outcome for both mother and baby.
Both gestational and chronic hypertension may progress to preeclampsia after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often during the third trimester. Women with preeclampsia have high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs in the body. For example, a woman with preeclampsia may have protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage, or increased liver enzymes, which is a sign of liver problems.
Emphasizing that prenatal care and monitoring are the best way to help prevent preeclampsia complications, our two-sided, 100-sheet
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Tear Pad is an ideal childbirth education handout to provide expectant parents with take-home information.
Written in easy-to-understand language, the tear pad discusses the risks of high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy. It clearly explains what chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia are while also discussing risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening and diagnosis, potential complications, and treatment for preeclampsia.
Fact #2: Early delivery may be the best course of action.
Prior to delivery, preeclampsia treatment includes careful monitoring and medications to help control blood pressure. Depending on the severity of preeclampsia, hospitalization may be necessary. Because the only way to cure preeclampsia is to deliver the baby, often a planned preterm birth (delivery prior to 37 full weeks of pregnancy) offers the best outcome for mother and baby. Preeclampsia also may result in an unplanned preterm birth. Labor induction or a cesarean birth may be necessary.
Our
Indications for Cesarean Section Chart provides clear illustrations for some of the main reasons why a cesarean birth might be necessary, including placental abruption, which is a life-threatening complication for both mother and baby that can be caused by preeclampsia. It also provides other possible indications for a cesarean birth, including cases of severe preeclampsia.
Fact #3: Preeclampsia can develop after giving birth.
Although it is rare, preeclampsia can also occur within the 6 weeks after a mother gives birth. When postpartum preeclampsia does develop, it is usually within 48 hours after delivery. Postpartum preeclampsia is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. It carries a greater risk of death for the mother than preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Fact #4: Preeclampsia can have long-term, life-long complications.
Under their healthcare professional’s care, most expectant mothers with preeclampsia have healthy babies. However, preeclampsia can cause serious and potentially life-threatening health problems for both mother and baby. Babies may experience low-birthweight and have additional complications resulting from preterm birth.
In addition to immediate possible complications from preeclampsia, such as seizures (eclampsia), stroke, liver rupture, and bleeding problems, mothers who have had preeclampsia are at greater risk for developing other health issues in the future. Women who have had preeclampsia may be at higher risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
Fact #5: Low-dose aspirin may help prevent preeclampsia.
For those at high risk, healthcare professionals may recommended a low-dose aspirin regimen to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Expectant mothers should talk with their healthcare professional about any medications, vitamins, or supplements before taking them.
The information contained in this newsletter article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
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