Preeclampsia Still a Major Threat to Mothers & Babies: AIIMS Delhi

Top Summary

• What happened: AIIMS Delhi experts warn that preeclampsia, a high blood pressure complication in pregnancy, remains a major health threat despite medical advancements.
• Why it matters: Preeclampsia significantly contributes to maternal deaths, preterm births, and newborn complications in India, despite the country's reduced maternal mortality rate.
• What changes for people: Increased awareness and regular blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy are crucial for early detection and prevention. First-trimester screenings are recommended for high-risk women.
• Who is affected: Pregnant women, especially those with risk factors like twin pregnancies, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, IVF pregnancies, or a family history of high blood pressure, and their babies are at risk.

Preeclampsia: A Silent Threat

Doctors at AIIMS Delhi highlighted that preeclampsia often develops silently during pregnancy.

If undetected, it can become life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.

India's Maternal Mortality

India's maternal mortality ratio has declined to around 90 per 100,000 live births.

However, preeclampsia continues to be a significant contributor to maternal deaths, preterm births, and newborn complications.

Early Detection and Prevention

 

"Preeclampsia is a serious disease, but one that can be identified early, prevented and treated," said Dr Neena Malhotra.

 

Regular blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy remains the most important screening tool.

Symptoms and Risks

Preeclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure, often with excess protein in urine.

Severe cases can lead to seizures, brain haemorrhage, kidney failure, lung fluid accumulation and even death of the mother and baby.

Doctors warned that many women reach tertiary hospitals too late because early warning signs are ignored or mistaken for routine pregnancy discomfort.

Impact on the Baby

The disease is linked to abnormal placental development.

It can affect the baby by causing growth restriction, premature birth and stillbirth.

Screening and Prevention

Dr K Aparna Sharma and Dr Vidushi Kulshreshtha said a first-trimester screening can help identify high-risk women.

These include women with twin pregnancies, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, IVF pregnancies or a family history of high blood pressure.

They said low-dose aspirin started early in high-risk pregnancies can significantly reduce chances of severe preeclampsia.

Global Impact

Preeclampsia affects nearly 5–8% of pregnancies globally.

It contributes to more than 70,000 maternal deaths and nearly 5 lakh baby deaths every year.

Warning Signs

Doctors said severe headache, swelling, blurred vision, breathlessness, abdominal pain and reduced baby movements should never be ignored.

Community Awareness

Dr Anubhuti Rana said awareness at the community level remains crucial, particularly among ASHAs, ANMs and anganwadi workers.

Experts also said high blood pressure during pregnancy should never be considered "normal".

What to Watch Next

Public health campaigns focusing on early detection and management of preeclampsia are likely to increase. Further research into the causes and more effective treatments for preeclampsia are also anticipated.