Preeclampsia: Impacting Mothers, Infants, and Families – Strategies for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of mothers (and babies) dying or getting very ill in pregnancy and most of the cases of death have been found to be preventable. Patient factors such as delays in seeking care and failing to recognize the severity of symptoms contribute to as many as half of these deaths in some areas of the country. Patient education about preeclampsia and its warning signs has not been routinely provided during prenatal care and almost non-existent in the postpartum period and yet is one of the most low-cost, low-tech interventions that can contribute to improved outcomes. Additionally, mothers and their family members are often emotionally traumatized by the unexpected and life threatening effects of preeclampsia, requiring mental health assessment and support. Evidence-based tools and techniques, accessible to a low health literacy population, are introduced in this presentation and suggestions are made for providing postpartum mental health support.