World Preeclampsia Day is observed annually on May 22. Preeclampsia and related hypertension diseases of pregnancy affect roughly 76,000 mothers and 500,000 newborns every year. World Preeclampsia Day aims to increase awareness about this potentially fatal pregnancy condition. Preeclampsia occurs around the 20th week during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can cause major difficulties for both the mother and the baby if not monitored and managed. Less time between diagnosis and treatment means better outcomes for both mother and baby. Pre-eclampsia can be recognized simply during routine prenatal checks. Let us learn more so that we can prevent it.
History of World Preeclampsia Day
Preeclampsia and related hypertensive illnesses of pregnancy kill around 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies every year around the world, making it the leading cause of maternal death. Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication, and World Preeclampsia Day strives to increase awareness about it. Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur at any time during pregnancy — typically after the 20th week and lasts up to six weeks after birth.
Increased blood pressure and, in most cases, protein in the urine are symptoms, and if not carefully monitored and managed, it can lead to major complications for both the mother and the baby. The better the prognosis for both the mother and the unborn child, the earlier preeclampsia is recognized and monitored.
Pre-eclampsia can be detected during standard pregnancy exams, making it a very simple procedure. Complications can cause illness in the mother for an extended period, and they are highly connected with the development of a variety of chronic diseases in the future, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as kidney failure. These conditions claim far too many lives — or have a significant impact on them — underlining the significance of early symptom assessment, as well as a quick and appropriate response by qualified healthcare professionals. This is particularly true in communities where access to healthcare services has been restricted or denied.
World Preeclampsia Day timeline
“Varandaeus' Treatise on Gynecology” is published and the term ‘eclampsia’ is first used to describe a pregnancy-related condition.
A distinction is made between eclampsia and epilepsy by Boissier de Sauvages.
Vaquez and Nobecourt discover eclamptic hypertension and the preeclamptic condition is officially acknowledged as a result of the contributions made by these researchers.
Obata reveals that eclampsia is produced by a placental toxin when the mother serum's ability to neutralize it decreases.
World Preeclampsia Day FAQs
Do all women with preeclampsia die?
In women with preeclampsia, the chance of placental abruption, or detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, increases. Life-threatening hemorrhage and fetal mortality can result if the situation is severe.
What was preeclampsia formerly known as?
Preeclampsia was known by a different term years ago. Hippocrates, who lived in the fifth century B.C., is credited with providing the first recorded account of the illness. Toxemia of pregnancy is an out-of-date medical name for pre-eclampsia that emerged in the misguided notion that the disorder was triggered by toxins.
Is it possible for a baby to survive preeclampsia?
The majority of pregnant women who experience preeclampsia deliver healthy kids. However, if left untreated, it can lead to major complications such as early delivery and possibly mortality.
How to Observe World Preeclampsia Day
Show your support
You can help preeclampsia patients by contributing, fundraising, or volunteering. It requires all the help and supports it can get because it impacts both the mother and the child.
Educate others
You can educate others about the implications of preeclampsia. As a life-threatening pregnancy-related complication, it is important to inform people and/or share your experiences.
Raise awareness
You can raise awareness about preeclampsia. Use social media and share all you have learned about the day while emphasizing why it is important for the day to be observed.
5 Important Facts About Preeclampsia
First time mothers
Women who are expecting their first child are at an increased risk of getting preeclampsia than other women.
Affects low to middle-income countries more
It is estimated that more than 99% of all maternal mortality happens in low to middle-income nations.
10% of Pregnancies
Up to 10% of all pregnancies globally are affected by this condition.
Postpartum period
Up to 6% of pregnancies are affected by this condition in the postpartum period.
Higher risk of end-stage renal disease
Those with preeclampsia have a three- to five-fold increased risk of developing end-stage renal disease than women without the condition.
Why World Preeclampsia Day is Important
It prevents Eclampsia and HELLP syndrome
In the absence of treatment, preeclampsia can develop into eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. Eclampsia is a severe consequence that can result in seizures, and HELLP Syndrome is characterized by rapidly declining platelet counts and complications involving the liver.
It raises awareness of the symptoms
For both mother and child, early detection and control of pre-eclampsia are critical. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including no symptoms or swelling of the hands, feet, or face, rapid weight gain, headaches, visual changes, acute pain beneath the rib cage, nausea and vomiting; as well as a general sense of feeling ill.
Diagnosis options
Because of World Preeclampsia Day, there is important information about preeclampsia. This includes diagnosis and management options. Diagnosis includes blood work, urine analysis, fetal ultrasound, and a non-stress test or biophysical profile. Treatment includes antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids or bed rest to help lower blood pressure.
World Preeclampsia Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 22 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 22 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 22 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 22 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 22 | Monday |
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