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    World Preeclampsia day 2024

    Written by Editorial Team

    Medically Reviewed by Dr Suneetha Kumari Putchala on Sat, 20 Apr 2024

    World Health Days

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    World Preeclampsia Day is a poignant reminder of the critical importance of raising awareness about this potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication. This day serves as a platform to educate communities worldwide about the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with preeclampsia, empowering women and healthcare providers to recognize and address this condition promptly. By fostering dialogue, promoting early detection, and advocating for improved access to prenatal care and resources, World Preeclampsia Day aims to save lives and ensure safer pregnancies for women everywhere. Together, we can work towards a future where preeclampsia is better understood, effectively managed and ultimately prevented, creating healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.

    What is Preeclampsia?

    Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly the kidneys, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can also develop up to six weeks postpartum. While the exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, it's believed to be linked to problems with the placenta, the vital organ that nourishes the developing baby.

    Symptoms of Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia can present with a variety of symptoms, some more noticeable than others. The most common ones include:

    • High blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg)
    • Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
    • Sudden weight gain due to fluid retention (edema)
    • Severe headaches
    • Vision changes, including blurry vision or light sensitivity
    • Upper abdominal pain, especially under the ribs on the right side
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Decreased fetal movement

    However, preeclampsia can also be asymptomatic, meaning there are no outward signs or symptoms, making it even more critical for pregnant women to receive regular prenatal care, which includes blood pressure monitoring and urine tests.

    Importance of World Preeclampsia Day

    Health Awareness: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death globally. World Preeclampsia Day helps to educate people about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with preeclampsia, empowering pregnant individuals and healthcare providers to recognize and manage the condition effectively.

    Maternal and Infant Health: Preeclampsia not only poses risks to the mother's health but also increases the likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight in babies. By highlighting the importance of early detection and appropriate management of preeclampsia, World Preeclampsia Day contributes to improving maternal and infant health outcomes worldwide.

    Research and Advocacy: The day serves as a platform for advocacy efforts and fundraising initiatives to support research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of preeclampsia. Increased awareness can lead to more resources being allocated to research programs aimed at developing better diagnostic tools and interventions to mitigate the impact of preeclampsia on maternal and infant health.

    Reducing Stigma and Misconceptions: Despite being a common pregnancy complication, there are often misconceptions and stigma surrounding preeclampsia. World Preeclampsia Day helps to dispel myths and encourages open discussions about the condition, reducing the stigma associated with it and fostering a supportive environment for those affected.

    Global Collaboration: World Preeclampsia Day brings together various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocacy groups, and individuals affected by preeclampsia, to collaborate on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and advocating for improved maternal and infant health services worldwide.

    Risks Associated with Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia poses a significant threat to both mother and baby. For mothers, it can lead to:
    - Eclampsia: A life-threatening condition characterized by seizures.
    - HELLP syndrome: A combination of ruptured red blood cells, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
    - Stroke
    - Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
    - Heart attack
    - Kidney failure

    For babies, potential complications include:

    Premature birth: Preeclampsia can necessitate early delivery to protect the mother's health, even if the baby isn't fully developed.
    Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): This condition limits the baby's growth in the womb.
    Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
    Stillbirth

    The Devastating Impact of Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant mortality worldwide. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, nearly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies lose their lives to preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy every year.  These numbers are particularly high in low- and middle-income countries where access to quality healthcare is limited.

    Why choose Continental Hospitals for World Preeclampsia Day?

    Specialized Care: Continental Hospitals will offer specialized care for conditions like preeclampsia, ensuring that patients receive the best treatment from experienced healthcare professionals.

    Advanced Facilities: They might have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment necessary for diagnosing and treating preeclampsia effectively.

    Experienced Healthcare Providers: The hospital may have a team of experienced obstetricians, gynecologists, and other specialists who are knowledgeable about preeclampsia and its management.

    Holistic Approach: Continental Hospitals might emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing not only on treating the symptoms of preeclampsia but also on providing support for the overall well-being of the mother and baby.

    Awareness Initiatives: They may organize awareness campaigns, seminars, or workshops on World Preeclampsia Day to educate patients and the community about the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures for preeclampsia.

    Patient-Centered Care: The hospital may prioritize patient-centered care, ensuring that expectant mothers with preeclampsia receive personalized attention and support throughout their pregnancy journey.

    World Preeclampsia Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing research to improve outcomes for women and babies affected by this serious pregnancy complication. By working together, healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and communities can make strides toward reducing the global burden of preeclampsia and ensuring safe and healthy pregnancies for all women.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure.
    The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and inadequate blood flow to the uterus.
    Symptoms of preeclampsia can vary but commonly include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling of the hands and face, headaches, and changes in vision.
    Preeclampsia is diagnosed through regular prenatal check-ups, which may include monitoring blood pressure, protein levels in urine, and other signs and symptoms.
    If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby, including eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, organ damage, premature birth, and even death.
    The only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. However, if the condition develops before the baby is full-term, healthcare providers may recommend medications to lower blood pressure, bed rest, and close monitoring of both the mother and the baby.
    Preeclampsia is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of women and their babies each year. Women in low- and middle-income countries are particularly at risk due to limited access to prenatal care and medical interventions.
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