April 28, 2015
A fundraising walk, to help raise awareness of a little known disease that can harm mothers and their babies, is scheduled to take place Saturday in Cherry Hill.
"Affecting at least 5-8 percent of all pregnancies, (preeclampsia) is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms. Typically, preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters or middle to late pregnancy) and up to six weeks postpartum (after delivery), though in rare cases it can occur earlier than 20 weeks. Proper prenatal care is essential to diagnose and manage preeclampsia.