Thoughtful Thursday: Preeclampsia Awareness

Have you heard of Preeclampsia? I am always so surprised when I meet people that actually do know about preeclampsia and usually it’s because they had it! After my second pregnancy with Hayley I suffered from postpartum preeclampsia. Those that know about preeclampsia will typically say that delivery is the “cure” for preeclampsia BUT that is actually FALSE because preeclampsia can also happen up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms;

Know the Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms during your pregnancy or after delivery, call your doctor or midwife right away. Having symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have preeclampsia, but they are cause for concern and require immediate medical evaluation.

Swelling of the hands and face, especially around the eyes (swelling of the feet is more common in late pregnancy and probably not a sign of preeclampsia)
Weight gain of more than five pounds in a week
Headache that won’t go away, even after taking medication such as acetaminophen
Changes in vision like seeing spots or flashing lights; partial or total loss of eyesight
Nausea or throwing up, especially suddenly, after mid pregnancy (not the morning sickness that many women experience in early pregnancy)
Upper right belly pain, sometimes mistaken for indigestion or the flu
Difficulty breathing, gasping, or panting

It’s also important to know that some women with preeclampsia have NO symptoms or they “just don’t feel right.” If you have a sense that something’s wrong, even without symptoms, trust yourself and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

MAY IS PREECLAMPSIA AWARENESS MONTH!!!!

Want to get involved??

Spread the Word

Post the Preeclampsia Awareness Month banner or button on your official website or blog. This digital ad will link to our campaign page, where your logo will be prominently displayed (at no cost to you).
During the month of May, receive and share content from the Preeclampsia Foundation, including news releases, videos, and other information. Share this content via Facebook, blogs, or other media with your constituents – and to ask them to share it.
Promote and participate in weekly Twitter Chats in May; these feature subject experts and patients.
Develop your own original content (e.g., blog posts or website content) referencing the Preeclampsia Foundation (www.preeclampsia.org) as an expert source of preeclampsia information, and we will feature your content in turn.
Form a company team to participate in a Promise Walk near you or participate in our virtual Promise Walk.