Media Release:

national Pre Eclampsia Awareness Week 19-25 August 2007

Pre Eclampsia – the Silent Killer

Awareness of Pre Eclampsia, an illness which is the most common serious medical disorder of pregnancy, affects up to 1 in 10 mothers, however little is known about the disorder.

To provide information and support to families who have suffered from Pre-Eclampsia, the Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC) has established a National Pre Eclampsia Awareness Week from 19-25 August 2007, to raise awareness and educate mothers as well as health professionals.

With some 200 babies dying because of Pre Eclampsia in Australia every year, pregnant women are urged not to miss their antenatal appointments, and to visit their doctor or midwife if they are concerned about their pregnancy.

According to Professor Shaun Brennecke, Director of Perinatal Medicine, Royal Women's
Hospital, Melbourne, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, persistent headaches, blurred vision and sudden swelling of face, hands and feet can be signs and symptoms. Pre Eclampsia can also compromise the health of the foetus. It can lead to convulsions – Eclampsia - in the mother.

'It more often occurs in first pregnancies, however, occasionally, women who have had Pre Eclampsia find that it recurs in one or more subsequent pregnancies' says Professor Brennecke.

'Every woman should be considered at risk in her first pregnancy, although the risk is greater for those with a strong family history of the condition'.

The precise cause of Pre Eclampsia is unknown. However, it is thought that genetic factors are involved, given women whose mothers and/or sisters have suffered Pre Eclampsia are at increased risk of the disease themselves.

Worldwide, over 50,000 mothers die each year from Eclampsia. The only cure for Pre Eclampsia is delivery of the baby and with it the placenta. Such action is usually in the best interests of both mother and baby; however, if it occurs early in the second half of pregnancy, while delivery solves the mother's problems, the baby can risk complications through extreme prematurity.

National Pre Eclampsia Awareness Week is organized by The Australian Action on Preeclampsia Inc, a voluntary group comprising many mothers who have suffered from this pregnancy complication. To build awareness during the Week they have produced a community service announcement to be launched during the week.

What: Pre Eclampsia Awareness Week
When: 19-25 August 2007
To purchase 'Pre-Eclampsia - The Australian Experience' visit www.aapec.org.au.

For more information visit www.aapec.org.au.
Also see our Pre Eclampsia - Frequently Asked Questions Parenting Article.

Mum Zone Release Date: 3rd August 2007

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