Patient-Centered
Excellence
Quick Answer
Observed every year on May 22, World Preeclampsia Day raises global awareness about a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure(BP)and organ damage. Early screening, identifying preeclampsia risk factors, and timely medical care are effective ways to protect both mother and baby during and after pregnancy.
Quick Overview
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
| What is Preeclampsia? | High BP + organ damage after 20 weeks of pregnancy |
| When is WPD observed? | Every year on May 22 |
| 2026 Theme | Know the Symptoms, Early Action Saves Lives |
| Biggest Risk Factor | Prior preeclampsia history or chronic hypertension |
| Primary Screening Tool | Blood pressure check + urine protein test |
| Main Prevention Step | Low-dose aspirin + regular prenatal visits |
Table of Contents
- What Is World Preeclampsia Day?
- World Preeclampsia Day Themes and Awareness Campaigns
- Importance and Global Impact of Preeclampsia
- Preeclampsia Risk Factors
- How to Screen for Preeclampsia
- Preeclampsia Prevention & Diagnosis
- Preeclampsia Treatment and Patient Care Strategies
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What Is World Preeclampsia Day?
Every year on May 22, communities, hospitals, and healthcare advocates around the world unite to observe World Preeclampsia Day. The day was established by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) to bring urgent attention to a condition that remains one of the leading causes of maternal and newborn deaths globally. It is part of the broader Preeclampsia Awareness Month observed every May.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder, typically arising after 20 weeks of gestation, characterised by a sudden rise in blood pressure(BP) and signs of damage to the kidneys, liver, or other organs. Without prompt medical attention, it can progress rapidly to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby, including seizures, stroke, and premature birth.
World Preeclampsia Day Themes and Awareness Campaigns Â
World Preeclampsia Day 2026 Theme
The theme for World Preeclampsia Day 2026 is “Know the Symptoms – Early Action Saves Lives.” This theme reinforces a critical message: most pregnancy-related deaths from this condition are preventable when women and caregivers recognise warning signs early and act without delay.
In addition to strengthening early pregnancy screening, equipping community health workers with better training, and helping pregnant women understand when it’s important to seek medical care right away, the 2026 campaign aims to improve the health of pregnant women. Globally, awareness is also being spread through social media campaigns using hashtags like #PreAM26 and #KnowTheSymptoms.
Year-by-Year WPD Themes
| Year | Theme |
| 2021 | Connecting Globally, Acting Locally |
| 2022 | Improving Care Together |
| 2023 | Reducing Disparities in Preeclampsia Care |
| 2024 | Early Detection Saves Lives |
| 2025 | From Awareness to Action |
| 2026 | Know the Symptoms – Early Action Saves Lives |
The theme for each year shows how the global conversation about maternal health has evolved from awareness to action, equal access to care, and meaningful healthcare reforms.
Importance and Global Impact of Preeclampsia Â
Why World Preeclampsia Day Matters
The importance of World Preeclampsia Day (WPD) cannot be overstated. There is a continued antenatal care access problem in low- and middle-income countries, where this condition continues to claim the lives of thousands of mothers and newborns each year.
There are several interconnected reasons why this annual observance is important:
- Raising public awareness: Many women are unaware that swelling, sudden headaches, or blurred vision during pregnancy can indicate a serious underlying condition.
- Reducing health inequities: Women from underserved and marginalized communities often face pregnancy-related health risks because they have limited access to timely care, screening, and treatment options.
- Driving policy change: Advocacy campaigns influence policy change by promoting early screening and infrastructure investments in maternal health.
- Supporting survivors: WPD also creates space to honour women who have experienced this condition and their ongoing health journeys.
Key Statistics About Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia affects an estimated 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide and is responsible for approximately 76,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths every year. (Source: World Health Organization)
Understanding the scale of this condition is central to taking it seriously:
- It occurs in roughly 1 in 25 pregnancies globally.
- In India, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, account for nearly 5–15% of maternal deaths.
- Women who have had preeclampsia face up to a 4x higher lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Premature birth due to preeclampsia accounts for 15% of all preterm births in high-income countries.
- With structured prenatal care and early intervention, up to 80% of severe cases can be prevented.
Preeclampsia Risk Factors
Not every pregnancy carries the same level of risk. Understanding your individual preeclampsia risk factors allows your doctor to create a personalised monitoring plan from the very beginning.
| Risk Category | Specific Factor |
| Medical History | Previous preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, kidney disease |
| Pregnancy Type | First pregnancy, multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Diabetes, lupus, autoimmune disorders, obesity |
| Demographic Factors | Age below 18 or above 35, Black/African ancestry |
| Lifestyle | Sedentary lifestyle, high-sodium diet, smoking |
| Family History | Mother or sister had preeclampsia |
Talk openly with your obstetrician about any of these factors during your first prenatal visit. Early identification allows targeted interventions before symptoms even appear.
How to Screen for Preeclampsia
First-Trimester Screening
Preeclampsia screening is now recommended between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy so that warning signs can be identified as early as possible. Modern screening methods do not depend on a single test alone. Instead, doctors combine three important factors: blood pressure readings (mean arterial pressure or MAP), blood flow to the uterus checked through Doppler ultrasound, and levels of a placental protein called PlGF. By bringing these results together, healthcare providers can identify up to 90% of women who may be at high risk of developing preeclampsia later in pregnancy.
Ongoing Antenatal Monitoring
Routine monitoring in pregnancy remains essential even if early screening results are promising:
- Every antenatal visit should include a measurement of blood pressure
- Â Urine dipstick test to check for protein (proteinuria)
- Blood tests for kidney and liver function (in high-risk women)
- Growth scans and Doppler ultrasound in the third trimester
If you experience sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or pain under your ribs, seek emergency care immediately, do not wait for your next scheduled visit.
Preeclampsia Prevention & Diagnosis
What Pregnant Women Can Do
While preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, there are practical steps pregnant women can take to avoid or reduce the severity of preeclampsia:
- Low-dose aspirin: If you are at high risk, your doctor may recommend 75–150 mg of aspirin daily from 12 weeks onward. Clinical evidence shows this can significantly reduce risk in high-risk women.
- Calcium supplementation: Populations with low dietary calcium, daily supplementation of 1.5–2g has been shown to lower the risk.
- Healthy diet: A balanced, low-sodium diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports healthy blood pressure(BP).
- Regular moderate exercise: Walking or pregnancy-safe yoga helps maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular function.
- Attend all antenatal appointments: Never skip a prenatal check-up, even if you feel well.
One of the most powerful things a pregnant woman can do is show up for her appointments. Early detection begins with those simple, routine checks.
Precautions to Reduce Preeclampsia Risk
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to monitor your blood pressure at home.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine throughout pregnancy.
- Maintain a healthy pre-pregnancy weight; obesity is a significant modifiable risk factor.
- Manage pre-existing conditions like diabetes and kidney disease proactively before conception.
- Discuss your family history with your gynaecologist at your very first consultation.
Preeclampsia Treatment and Patient Care Strategies
How to Treat Preeclampsia
There is currently only one definitive cure for preeclampsia: delivery of the baby. However, the approach to treatment depends heavily on gestational age and the severity of the condition.
Treatment strategies include:
- Antihypertensive medications: Drugs such as labetalol, nifedipine, or methyldopa are used to keep blood pressure within a safer range.
- Magnesium sulphate: This is administered to prevent seizures (eclampsia) in women with severe preeclampsia.
- Corticosteroids: If early delivery is likely, steroid injections help mature the baby’s lungs.
- Close inpatient monitoring: In severe cases, hospital admission allows continuous monitoring of both mother and baby.
- Planned delivery: After 37 weeks, induction of labour or caesarean section is typically recommended to prevent further deterioration.
If you are looking for expert obstetric care, finding the best pregnancy hospital in Coimbatore with a dedicated high-risk pregnancy unit can make a critical difference in treatment outcomes.
How to Improve Outcomes for Patients
Improving outcomes for women with preeclampsia requires action at every level, from individual choices to systemic healthcare reform.
- Universal first-trimester screening: Extending combined screening to all pregnant women, not just those flagged as high-risk, can dramatically increase early detection rates.
- Community health worker training: Equipping frontline workers with blood pressure monitoring tools and knowledge saves lives in underserved areas.
- Postpartum follow-up: Preeclampsia can develop or persist even after delivery. Blood pressure should be monitored for at least 6 weeks postpartum.
- Long-term cardiovascular surveillance: Women who have experienced preeclampsia should be monitored for life because their heart health is at risk.
- Patient education and empowerment: Informed women are more likely to report symptoms early and adhere to treatment plans.
Conclusion
Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy, but if detected early, it can usually be treated successfully. May 22 is World Preeclampsia Day, a day dedicated to bridging the gap between medical care and real-life awareness for women worldwide. The key message, regardless of whether you are an expecting mother, a family member, or a healthcare provider, is to be aware of the warning signs, seek advice when necessary, and act immediately. The importance of regular check-ups, such as blood pressure and urine tests, can’t be overstated. It is vital to receive quality antenatal care because every pregnancy deserves special attention and a good start.
FAQs
1. What is World Preeclampsia Day?
On May 22, we observe World Preeclampsia Day to raise awareness of a serious pregnancy complication. This day is organised by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). For better outcomes for mothers and babies, it spreads knowledge, offers support, and strengthens maternal healthcare systems.
2. What are the 4 stages of eclampsia?
Eclampsia is the severe form of preeclampsia and can lead to seizures. It is usually described in four stages. The first is the premonitory stage, where subtle warning signs may appear. This is followed by the tonic stage, which involves stiffness of the muscles. Next is the clonic stage, marked by jerking movements. Finally, the post-ictal stage may involve confusion or unconsciousness after the seizure. Not everyone experiences all these stages, which is why early medical attention is very important.
3. What colour is the ribbon for preeclampsia?
The official awareness ribbon for preeclampsia is purple. This colour is used globally during Preeclampsia Awareness Month in May to symbolise solidarity with affected mothers, survivors, and the families who have lost loved ones to this condition.
4. What are the three types of preeclampsia?
In general, preeclampsia can be classified into three types. Symptoms of mild preeclampsia include high BP and protein in the urine, but no serious complications. Symptoms of severe preeclampsia include high blood pressure, headaches, and vision problems. Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension occurs when preeclampsia develops after chronic hypertension develops.
5. What is the biggest indicator for preeclampsia?
An earlier history of preeclampsia is considered the strongest predictor. Pregnant women with the disease are at a significantly higher risk of getting it again, so regular monitoring, including low-dose aspirin, is essential from the onset of pregnancy.
6. What are the early warning signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy?
A sudden increase in blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or above), swelling in the face, hands, or feet, frequent or severe headaches, blurred vision, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, reduced urine output, and nausea or vomiting in the second or third trimester can all be warning signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor or midwife without delay.
