Preeclampsia Essentials

Although the reasons behind preeclampsia are not yet well understood, this condition can affect 1 in 12 pregnancies, threatening the health of both birthing person and baby. So what are its symptoms? Who’s at higher risk, and what happens if you do develop preeclampsia? What about postpartum preeclampsia? Eleni Tsigas has answers. Check it out!

What we talked about:

• What is preeclampsia? How common is it?
• What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
• Why does it happen?
• Are some people at higher risk?
• What happens if you develop preeclampsia?
• What are the possible effects to the baby?
• Are there ways to prevent preeclampsia?
• Can preeclampsia occur during postpartum? If so, when?
• What is the difference between preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome?

Related resources*:

• Preeclampsia Foundation website
• Preeclampsia Registry website
• Optimizing Postpartum Care, ACOG Committee Opinion
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Stanford Children’s Health
• Frequently Asked Questions About Aspirin, Preeclampsia Foundation
• Delivery is the Cure: A Dangerous Message, Science & Sensibility blog
• Education Tools, Preeclampsia Foundation

World Preeclampsia Day infographic

Related Birthful episodes:

• Navigating the NICU
• HELLP Syndrome
• Effects of Stress During Pregnancy
• If Pregnancy Becomes Medically Complicated: Working With a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician

Image courtesy of Eleni Tsigas.

About Eleni Tsigas

Eleni Z. Tsigas is the CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation, a U.S.-based patient advocacy organization with a Canadian affiliate. She was a member of the Hypertension in Pregnancy Task Force created by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to develop national guidelines introduced in 2013, as well as similar task forces for California and Florida to develop preeclampsia toolkits. Other appointments include the Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care, and several large international research studies. Eleni has also demonstrated the power of patient involvement in research, not just as subjects, but as study collaborators, has authored or co-authored over a dozen papers in peer-reviewed journals, and is the Principal Investigator for The Preeclampsia Registry. As a two-time preeclampsia survivor herself, Eleni is a relentless champion for the improvement of patient and provider education and healthcare practices.

Learn more at preeclampsia.org