World Preeclampsia Day is annually celebrated on May 22. Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect approximately 76,000 mothers and 500,000 infants annually. The purpose of World Preeclampsia Day is to raise awareness of this potentially fatal pregnancy condition. Preeclampsia develops around the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterised by elevated blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. If not monitored and managed, it can cause significant problems for both the mother and the child. Less time between diagnosis and treatment results in improved outcomes for mother and child. Pre-eclampsia is easily detected during routine prenatal examinations. Let’s learn more in order to prevent it.
The background of World Preeclampsia Day
Preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy kill approximately 76,000 mothers and 500,000 infants annually across the globe, making it the primary cause of maternal mortality. Preeclampsia is a potentially fatal complication of pregnancy, and World Preeclampsia Day aims to raise awareness of it. Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur at any time during pregnancy — usually after the 20th week — and can last for up to six weeks after delivery.
Symptoms include elevated blood pressure and, in most cases, the presence of protein in the urine; if not carefully monitored and managed, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and child. The earlier preeclampsia is recognised and monitored, the better the prognosis for both the mother and the expectant child.
Pre-eclampsia can be detected during routine prenatal examinations, making detection a straightforward process. Complications can cause prolonged illness in the mother and are strongly associated with the future development of a variety of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and renal failure. These conditions take far too many lives or have a significant impact on them, highlighting the importance of early symptom assessment and a prompt, appropriate response by qualified healthcare professionals. This is especially true in communities with restricted or denied access to healthcare services.
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5 essential facts about preeclampsia
Women expecting their first infant are more susceptible to developing preeclampsia than other women.
It is estimated that over 99 percent of maternal mortality occurs in low- to middle-income countries.
Approximately 10% of pregnancies worldwide are afflicted by this condition.
During the postpartum period, this condition affects up to 6% of pregnancies.
Preeclamptic women are three to five times more likely to develop end-stage renal disease than women without the condition.
WORLD PREECLAMPSIA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 22 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 22 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 22 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 22 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 22 | Saturday |
