World Preeclampsia Day: Know the Risks, Protect Mothers and Babies

World Preeclampsia Day is observed annually on May 22. Preeclampsia and related hypertensive diseases of pregnancy affect roughly 76,000 mothers every year. World Preeclampsia Day aims to increase awareness about this potentially fatal pregnancy condition.

The 2025 theme is "Ask me about Preeclampsia." This is aimed at starting more conversations around the condition and creating more awareness.

Preeclampsia, previously called toxemia, is a condition characterized by high maternal blood pressure during pregnancy, normally diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation. This condition is also associated with proteinuria (a sign that the kidneys may not be working properly). It is a complication that arises during pregnancy and, in some women, it may also occur after childbirth during the postpartum period.

While the exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, it is believed to result from abnormal placental development, which reduces blood flow to the uterus around the 20th week of pregnancy.

• High blood pressure

• Protein in the urine (a sign that the kidneys may not be working properly)

• Persistent headache

• Upper abdominal pain under the ribs on the right side

• Swelling in your hands, feet, and face

• Shortness of breath because of fluid in the lungs

• Changes in vision: blurry vision or seeing spots

• Organ damage affecting the kidneys and liver

Preeclampsia may also develop after the delivery of the child, which is called postpartum preeclampsia.

Eclampsia is a severe complication that develops in some cases, characterized by seizures. Following the seizure, there may be a period of confusion or coma. Other complications include aspiration pneumonia, cerebral hemorrhage, kidney failure, pulmonary edema, HELLP syndrome, coagulopathy, placental abruption, and cardiac arrest. It is advised not to leave preeclampsia untreated.

• Obesity (BMI over 30)

• Prior hypertension

• Age 35 or above

• Diabetes mellitus

• First pregnancy

• Multiple children in a pregnancy (e.g., having twins or more)

• Having in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

In pregnancy, high blood pressure is diagnosed if the systolic pressure is 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher, or if the diastolic pressure is 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher (140/90).

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, more tests will be ordered.

• Blood report: will reveal liver and kidney function or impairment.

• Urine sample test: protein, if present, will indicate preeclampsia.

• Fetal ultrasound: an ultrasound will be done to monitor the baby's growth and check if the baby is in distress.

The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth, or to manage the symptoms and conditions until the baby can be delivered. Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more in some cases.

The person needs to be closely monitored for high blood pressure and other signs of preeclampsia after delivery. Further research is going on to find a cure for preeclampsia.

In a discussion about preeclampsia on MedBound Hub, Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, MD, FAAP, a US Board-certified neonatologist, said:

"Pre-eclampsia is a global problem, with an incidence of approximately 5% of pregnancies developing this serious issue. Pre-eclampsia + development of seizures = Eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia (older name being Pre-eclamptic Toxemia / PET) can cause seriousness in the mother as well as the fetus.
Also, remember HELLP Syndrome that can develop in a minor percentage of women with pre-eclampsia."

_{Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.}

• Preeclampsia Foundation. “May Is Preeclampsia Awareness Month.” Preeclampsia Foundation. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.preeclampsia.org/AwarenessMonth.

• National Today. “World Preeclampsia Day – May 22, 2025.” National Today. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://nationaltoday.com/world-preeclampsia-day/.

• WebMD. “Preeclampsia: Signs, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” WebMD. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-preeclampsia.

_MSM