The month of May is Pre-eclampsia Awareness Month with the 22nd being recognized as National Pre-eclampsia Awareness Day.
Pre-eclampsia is a disease that shows itself with persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy or the postpartum period and is associated with high levels of protein in the urine OR the new development of decreased blood platelets, trouble with the kidneys or liver, fluid in the lungs, or signs of brain trouble such as seizures and/or visual disturbances.
KPRC 2′s Digital Reporter Moriah Ballard spoke to a Houston area OB-GYN about the disease, the risks, and what demographic is impacted the most.
“So pre-eclampsia is when you develop, high blood pressure and pregnancy, typically with blood pressures greater than 140 over 90. As well as having protein in your urine. We’re having other lab abnormalities. It’s definitely more prevalent. And, the African-American and Hispanic community, for sure,” said Dr. Tamika Cross from Opulence Health and Wellness.
When asked how women can better advocate for themselves, Cross said its imperative for women to have a voice even when doctors may tell them otherwise.
“Women should advocate for themselves every single day. Anybody that loves and supports that patient needs to advocate for them as well,” Dr. Cross added. “I definitely know that it can be uncomfortable to speak up, especially in a position of power where the doctor has already spoken and they’ve already made a diagnosis and a plan. And that’s it. But I think it’s really important to know that you have a voice and you’re able to use it, even when it comes to medical things.”
What exactly is Preeclampsia?
Pre-Eclampsia is a disease that shows itself with persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy or the postpartum period and is associated with high levels of protein in the urine OR the new development of decreased blood platelets, trouble with the kidneys or liver, fluid in the lungs, or signs of brain trouble such as seizures and/or visual disturbances, according to the Pre-Eclampsia Foundation.
What should I look out for during my pregnancy?
- Important symptoms that may suggest preeclampsia are
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath or burning behind the sternum
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Heightened state of anxiety
- Visual disturbances such as oversensitivity to light, blurred vision, or seeing flashing spots or auras
Preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy impact 5-8% of all births in the United States.
Most women with preeclampsia will deliver healthy babies and fully recover. However, some women will experience complications, several of which may be life-threatening to mother and/or baby. A woman’s condition can progress to severe preeclampsia very quickly. The rate of preeclampsia in the US has increased 25% in the last two decades and is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death.
Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can be devastating diseases, made worse by delays in diagnosis or management, seriously impacting or even killing both women and their babies before, during or after birth.