World Pre-Eclampsia Day 2025: Raising Awareness for Pregnancy-Related Complications:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : World Pre-Eclampsia Day is celebrated on May 22 every year to create awareness around pre-eclampsia, which is a serious issue during pregnancy. In order to address the issue, IANS spoke to Dr. Meera Pathak, the Senior Medical Officer of CHC Bhangel in Noida. She discussed its symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent it.

Knowing Pre Eclampsia

Dr. Pathak said that about 5% to 8 % of pregnant women have pre-eclampsia. It is often referred to ‘silent killer’ because it has very few symptoms, which make it easy to ignore until major health complications occur. Generally, it is after the 20th week of gestation. A pregnant woman, who is having her blood pressure measured and has a reading greater than 140/90, body swelling, and protein excretion in urine is also increased, indicates she has pre-eclampsia. Even two of these signs must be acted upon immediately as they need urgent medical help.

Main Causes of Pre-Eclampsia

Placenta’s tissue is one of the major causes. At risk are people who fall under the following categories:

Age 18 or below and 40 or older

New Mothers

Contributory conditions like shallow breathing, hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders

Past history of pre-eclampsia

Multiple pregnancies (twins or molar pregnancy)

Overweight

How Pre-Eclampsia Is Diagnosed

Other than basic checkups, most patients don’t show clear symptoms. Additional signs overlook are

Migraine

Eye problems

Swellings in hand and feet

Chest pain

Nausea

Sudden changes in weight (Over 4kgs in a single month)

Less or bubbles in urine

If untreated, it can lead to uncontrollable shaking or slumber.

Difficulties Associated with Pre-Eclampsia

If not treated, pre-eclampsia can result in very serious effects, including:

Stroke

HELLP syndrome (liver and platelet involvement)

Heart failure and kidney failure

Comatose state

Expected life also has hazards, including:

Miscarriage

Stillbirth

The Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

Reduced amniotic fluid levels

Pre-term delivery

Ways to Approach Treatment

Treatment begins appropriately with tracking blood pressure and checking protein levels in urine. Specialists suggest:

Taking leisure walks or exercising

Practicing yoga

Reduction of stress

Elimination of salty and oily food, processed sugar, and refined carbs

Controlling medications may be necessary to prevent elevated blood pressure. Delivering the baby is the permanent solution. If the mother’s conditions allow, delivery is relocated until 37 weeks; however, if the symptoms escalate and complications occur, to preserve maternal health, early delivery is performed.

Postpartum Pre-Eclampsia

Post delivery, Pathak mentions that in some seldom cases, postpartum pre-eclampsia may appear. This occurs during the first 48 hours of delivery, and can last for 6 weeks. Women affected have a chronic high blood pressure tendency for a longer duration.