Jahnavi Sarma
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Written By: Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : May 22, 2020 1:01 PM IST
Preeclampsia is a multi-system syndrome. This condition is marked by elevated blood pressure and usually, but not always, protein in the urine. @Shutterstock
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, nearly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies worldwide lose their lives to pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy every year. To raise awareness about this life-threatening complication of pregnancy, several global maternal health organizations have joined forces for the fourth annual World Pre-eclampsia Day today. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about this condition that is characterized by high blood pressure during and also after pregnancy. The theme for this day this year is 'Check, Know, Share'. This campaign seeks to teach women how to take their blood pressure, understand their numbers, and talk to their healthcare provider about treatment.
This year, as COVID-19 has impacted access to prenatal and postnatal care and telehealth is being widely used, personal awareness of blood pressure, the hallmark signal for pre-eclampsia, is needed now more than ever. "Our goal is to educate and empower mothers to know the signs and symptoms and to the extent possible to check their blood pressure at home," says Eleni Tsigas, Chief Executive Officer of the Pre-eclampsia Foundation.
Pre-eclampsia, was earlier called 'toxemia of pregnancy'. This may develop into the more severe condition called eclampsia if left untreated. Eclampsia includes symptoms of pre-eclampsia, along with seizures.
It is absolutely essential that pregnant and postpartum mothers download a blood pressure log, take twice daily readings, recognize abnormal readings and seek prompt medical attention.
As Professor Laura Magee, President of the International Society of the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) and a practising clinician and advocate for patient engagement, says, "By teaching women to measure and track their blood pressure, they become active partners in their healthcare."
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, this disease can strike without warning. It usually happens after the 20th week of pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth. It is not a rare condition. Together with related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, it affects around 10 per cent of all pregnant women worldwide. It is also the leading cause of medically indicated preterm births.
Pre-eclampsia is a multi-system syndrome. If you have this condition, you will have high blood pressure and usually, but not always, protein in the urine. Here we list a few common symptoms of this condition.
If you notice any of these conditions, seek prompt medical help. This will help prevent complications and ensure overall health. Home remedies and lifestyle modifications and will definitely help in the treatment of this condition. But you need dedicated medical attention and proper treatment if you develop any symptoms of this disease.
