Preeclampsia Foundation

Preeclampsia Foundation Educate, support, and engage the affected community, improve healthcare practices, & accelerating research. This site does not give medical advice.
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***disclaimer*** Contact your medical professional or 911 in case of an emergency. Please check the preeclampsia community forums (www.preeclampsia.org/forum) and hotline (800-665-9341) for urgent questions/concerns. This is not an entry point for quick answers.

High blood pressure is a common symptom of preeclampsia. Knowing how to take your blood pressure and when to seek help d...
05/26/2026

High blood pressure is a common symptom of preeclampsia. Knowing how to take your blood pressure and when to seek help during pregnancy or postpartum can save your life.

Before taking your blood pressure, go to the bathroom and sit quietly for 3-5 minutes. Within 30 minutes of needing to take your blood pressure, do not smoke, eat, take medicine, have caffeine or exercise.

While taking your blood pressure, be sure to sit up with your left bare arm propped at the same level as your heart. Keep your legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor.

If your blood pressure is less than 140/90, keep checking and recording your numbers to see what your normal is. (We also say a rise of 10-15 mg above your normal is a cause for concern). If your blood pressure is between 140-159/90-109, call your healthcare provider, report your blood pressure, and ask for their advice. If your blood pressure is 160/110 or higher, seek immediate medical attention.

Blood pressure is important to keep track of in pregnancy because it determines how your pregnancy is managed. It can help inform your provider of potential risks to you and your baby, such as preeclampsia.

Learn more about why keeping track of your blood pressure is important here: https://www.preeclampsia.org/blood-pressure

Caitlin has experienced preeclampsia three times, her first experience was during her first pregnancy. Her second and th...
05/26/2026

Caitlin has experienced preeclampsia three times, her first experience was during her first pregnancy. Her second and third experiences were during the postpartum period.

Caitlin's first pregnancy started off as any other typical pregnancy. She went in for a routine appointment at 27 weeks and her blood pressure was 140/90. She mentioned to her provider that she was experiencing swelling as well. Her provider ordered labs based off her symptoms. The next day while at work, Caitlin received a call from her provider telling her she needed to go to the hospital immediately. Caitlin was admitted, got magnesium sulfate and was monitored. Unfortunately, her condition worsened and she required an emergency c-section at 27 weeks. Her son spent 75 days in the NICU.

Caitlin writes, "After my first experience, we knew there was a significant risk of recurrence, and deciding to have more children was not simple. We worked closely with my OB and maternal-fetal medicine team for careful monitoring. Aside from my history of preeclampsia, my only other notable risk factor was IVF."

During her second and third postpartum experiences, she was started on blood pressure medication prior to discharge. During her third postpartum experience, however her blood pressure continued to rise. Caitlin was then readmitted back to the hospital postpartum. She remained on blood pressure medication for several weeks.

"Because of my history, I now follow with a cardiologist annually. I have made a conscious effort to address as many modifiable risk factors as possible, focusing on blood pressure control, nutrition, physical activity, and overall heart health, " says Catilin.

Catilin reflects that experiencing preeclampsia multiple times has profoundly shaped how she thinks about pregnancy and family planning. "The decision to have more children after preeclampsia is deeply personal and often difficult—one that involves weighing hope against real risks, and desire against uncertainty. It’s not a choice made lightly, and for many, including myself, it carries both courage and complexity."

Read more of Catilin's story here: https://www.preeclampsia.org/our-stories/through-preeclampsia-three-times

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our office, includ...
05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our office, including responses to messages and comments, will be closed today, and we will return to our normal hours on Tuesday, May 26.

For today's we are sharing Jessica's story with Jessica writes, "This is a long one…I had 3 miscarriages before ...
05/24/2026

For today's we are sharing Jessica's story with

Jessica writes, "This is a long one…I had 3 miscarriages before my daughter, unexplained reasons. At 38 weeks with my daughter I woke up and everything was blurry. I was told go to the hospital right now. When I got there my BP was 174/110. After laboring for 36 hrs & pushing for 4, we did a csection. I woke up hours later and was told after csection I was bleeding a lot & they did an emergency surgery. They found my left uterine artery ruptured. I had a giant upside down T and 29 staples on my belly. I lost 3 1/2 L of blood. 6 blood transfusions. My preeclampsia did not go away, I developed fluid in my lungs and around my heart that ICU removed twice. After that I was on BP and a heart medicine for 12 weeks post delivery."

Read more: https://www.preeclampsia.org/our-stories/my-uterine-artery-rupture-an-severe-preeclampsia-story

05/23/2026

It can sometimes be hard for loved ones to know how to show up for a preeclampsia mom. Here are some ideas of how you can support her:

-Understand the experience is more than just physical recovery
-Know postpartum recovery is often longer than typical
-Help her bond with her new baby
-Help her watch her blood pressure
-Provide a meal

Those who experienced preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndome, what was helpful for you? Give your advice in the comments!

Read our support article here: https://www.preeclampsia.org/the-news/community-support/6-ways-to-show-up-for-the-preeclampsia-mom-in-your-life

On May 16 was the Greater Philadelphia Promise Walk for Preeclampsia! Over $50,000 (and counting!) was raised for the mi...
05/23/2026

On May 16 was the Greater Philadelphia Promise Walk for Preeclampsia! Over $50,000 (and counting!) was raised for the mission of the Preeclampsia Foundation as we improve the outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by educating, supporting and engaging the community, improving healthcare practices, and finding a cure.

Thank you to all who came out to support and walk for moms and babies!

We have Promise Walk for Preeclampsia locations all over the US. Sign up for your local walk (or join us virtually) today: www.promisewalk.org

For today's we share sharing Anita's story with Anita writes, "Fifteen years ago, during my first pregnanc...
05/23/2026

For today's we share sharing Anita's story with

Anita writes, "Fifteen years ago, during my first pregnancy, I developed severe complications that progressed into placental abruption — a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus before delivery. It was sudden. It was critical. It was no longer about birth plans — it was about saving two lives. At 34 weeks, I underwent an emergency C-section. My son was born premature and immediately admitted to the NICU. He spent one full month there.That month redefined me. I learned to read monitors instead of lullabies. I learned the language of oxygen saturation and feeding tubes. I learned that strength sometimes looks like sitting quietly beside an incubator, praying your body has not failed your child. He survived. He is now 15. But my body had already shown signs that pregnancy for me would never be “routine.”

Ten years ago, during my second pregnancy, complications began even earlier. At 27 weeks, I started experiencing early contractions. I was hospitalized and placed on strict bed rest for five weeks. Five weeks of immobility. Five weeks of monitoring. Five weeks of hoping we could buy more time. But my body began shutting down. I experienced organ failure. My blood pressure escalated dangerously. The risk of stroke became real — not theoretical. At 32 weeks, I delivered my second son. I nearly had a stroke. This was not just preterm labor. This was severe pre-eclampsia with systemic consequences. My son spent time in NICU. He is now 10 years old — strong, bright, resilient. But my health never fully returned to baseline.

Pregnancy complications do not always end after delivery. For me, pre-eclampsia left permanent damage. I am now living with: Cardiomyopathy Chronic Kidney Disease These are not temporary diagnoses. They are lifelong companions. Pre-eclampsia is often framed as a pregnancy complication. Clinically, we now know it is also a predictor of long-term cardiovascular and renal disease. Women like me do not just “recover.” We transition into chronic illness management. As someone already living with Type 1 diabetes, this layered complexity reshaped my health trajectory entirely."

Read more: https://www.preeclampsia.org/our-stories/when-pregnancy-becomes-a-battlefield-my-pre-eclampsia-story

Today is World Preeclampsia Day. For 26 years, the Preeclampsia Foundation has advanced research, education, outreach, a...
05/22/2026

Today is World Preeclampsia Day. For 26 years, the Preeclampsia Foundation has advanced research, education, outreach, and support for families — because of supporters like you.

Our theme this year is "Know the Symptoms. Take Action."

One way you can take action today is by supporting our mission with a gift to the Endowment Fund, helping ensure future generations of mothers and babies have the resources, advocacy, and care they need.

All donations made today will directly support the future of this work. https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/preeclampsia-foundation/wpd-endowment-appeal

On World Preeclampsia Day, we’re reflecting on the Global Preeclampsia Summit convened by the World Health Organization....
05/22/2026

On World Preeclampsia Day, we’re reflecting on the Global Preeclampsia Summit convened by the World Health Organization.

It was powerful to see patient advocates from around the world fully included alongside political leaders, researchers, clinicians, and nonprofit organizations. Those with lived experience helped ground the conversations in urgency, equity, and action.

As Angela Nhuku of White Ribbon Alliance and our CEO Eleni Tsigas shared in opening remarks, women and families affected by preeclampsia must remain at the center of this work.

The summit reinforced a global commitment to addressing preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, through improved access to essential medications, expanded innovation, and bringing new discoveries to low- and middle-income countries.

There is still much work ahead, but real collaboration, determination, and hope will move us forward.

Today is World Preeclampsia Day. We join our voice with moms and families across the world to share their . Start the c...
05/22/2026

Today is World Preeclampsia Day. We join our voice with moms and families across the world to share their .

Start the conversation-share your symptoms of preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome to help spread awareness. Your story can make an impact!

Share your story here: www.preeclampsia.org/our-stories

Supporting moms means ensuring they have access to safe, effective medications backed by strong science.Today, that’s no...
05/20/2026

Supporting moms means ensuring they have access to safe, effective medications backed by strong science.

Today, that’s not always the case. More than 90% of women take prescription medications during pregnancy, yet less than 1% of clinical trials include pregnant or lactating women in their research.

The reintroduction of the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act is a critical step forward.
This bipartisan legislation will:
• Expand inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in clinical research
• Improve access to trusted, up-to-date information on medications
during pregnancy and lactation
• Increase investment in maternal health research

Thank you to Representatives Castor, Underwood, and Fitzpatrick for your
leadership in advancing evidence-based care for moms and babies.

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