Preeclampsia, formerly known as toxemia, is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Preeclampsia occurs as often as breast cancer. Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading global cause of maternal and fetal illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal deaths each year. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Additional signs and symptoms may include swelling in the hands, feet, or face; sudden weight gain; nausea or upper abdominal pain; headaches; and/or changes in vision; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms. Preeclampsia is the leading known cause of prematurity.
Visit http://www.preeclampsia.org/index.asp for more information.
Preeclampsia Awareness Walks will take place around the country this month to create awareness and raise donations Walk proceeds will support foundation efforts to fund and drive research, raise public and professional awareness, and provide support and education for those whose lives have been touched by preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In honor of our kids birthday, both of which are in May, our family (Team “Lang Gang”)will be participating in the Wisconsin Preeclampsia Awareness Walk on May 31, 2008 in Madison to help raise awareness.
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