About 76,000 pregnant women worldwide die each year from preeclampsia and other related hypertensive disorders. Preeclampsia awareness month helps to improve, educate, and raise awareness about maternal healthcare across the globe. The Preeclampsia Foundation’s theme for Preeclampsia Awareness Month 2016 is: The Faces of Preeclampsia: Any Woman, Any Pregnancy.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and postpartum that is characterized by high blood pressure and affects 5 to 8 % of all pregnancies. Preeclampsia typically occurs after 20 weeks of being pregnant. Women who are at risk for this medical condition are obese, became pregnant in their early teens or after the age of 40, have a family history of the disorder, or are carrying multiple babies.