Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders related to pregnancy affect approximately 76,000 mothers and 500,000 newborns every year. World Preeclampsia Day aims to raise global awareness, focusing on the prevention and treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition during pregnancy.
This condition can arise at any point during pregnancy, most commonly after the 20th week, and may persist for up to six weeks after delivery. Elevated blood pressure, often accompanied by protein in the urine, is a key warning sign. Without proper monitoring and control, these indicators can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.
In more severe cases, preeclampsia is marked by significantly high blood pressure, intense proteinuria, and signs of target organ dysfunction.
Without adequate treatment, the condition can progress into more serious complications, such as HELLP Syndrome, which may manifest with seizures and poses a considerable risk to both mother and child. It is also characterized by a sharp drop in platelet count and significant liver dysfunction, potentially leading to life-threatening clinical complications.
For both mother and baby, early detection and management are crucial in preventing adverse outcomes. Screening throughout all trimesters of pregnancy is essential, allowing for close monitoring and timely intervention whenever necessary.
If first-trimester screening indicates a high risk, changes in lifestyle and diet may be recommended, along with the initiation of preventive medical therapy. In the second and third trimesters, a positive test can predict the onset of preeclampsia up to four weeks in advance. With this information, antenatal appointments can be scheduled with the necessary frequency to ensure appropriate and effective monitoring.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia, including:
- Multiple gestation
- First pregnancy
- Pregnancy following artificial insemination or egg donation
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pre-existing high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Advanced maternal age
This year’s theme for World Preeclampsia Day is “Ask me about preeclampsia”.
In this spirit, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at HPA Gambelas is available to answer all your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
