May 22: World Preeclampsia Day

Tomorrow, May 22,  marks World Preeclampsia Day. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) most often characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure, and death of the mother and/or baby.

HDPs complicate 5-10% of all pregnancies and are a leading cause of maternal and infant deaths globally, accounting for approximately 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths annually.¹

What can you do to prevent HDPs like preeclampsia?
Talk to your healthcare practitioner about signs and symptoms to watch for, including severe headaches, swelling in the hands and face, visual issues, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, and shortness of breath. Get screened for risk factors during the first trimester. Nutrition and exercise can help to alleviate risks.

Pregnancy is a time of constant changes, many of which are completely normal, but some can understandably raise questions. As your body adapts to support a growing baby, it’s not always easy to know what’s expected, what’s worth noting, and when to reach out to your care team.

While each woman’s exact experience with pregnancy may vary, “Prenatal Care: Physiological Changes to Expect and Strategies That Support a Healthy Pregnancy” was created to help you make sense of the many factors that influence a healthy pregnancy and provide practical steps to ensure you and your growing baby thrive.