World Preeclampsia Day, 22 May 2024 | Theme, Importance & Screening

Pace Hospitals

World Preeclampsia Day is a global healthcare awareness event observed annually on the 22nd of May, intending to recognise and increase the awareness of preeclampsia globally, culminating in its prevention and treatment. This annual event counts as a global call to various local and government healthcare authorities and policymakers to promote the action required to combat preeclampsia. 


Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure disorder that occurs during pregnancy and can involve multiple organ systems. It is characterised by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in urine) and can be categorised as mild or severe. Severe preeclampsia includes high blood pressure, heavy proteinuria, and signs of end-organ dysfunction.

Theme of World Preeclampsia day 2024 | World Preeclampsia day 2024 | visual depicting the theme of  World Preeclampsia day 2024  and a pregnant lady with Preeclampsia complication

World Preeclampsia Day 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, the World Preeclampsia Day theme is "Predict Prevent Prevail". This theme highlights a few options besides a patient's medical and pregnancy history to help predict what patients may be at risk for preeclampsia. One preventive measure is to administer prenatal aspirin to high-risk patients in the hope of delaying or preventing the onset of preeclampsia.


Year By Year Themes for World Preeclampsia Day

  • World Preeclampsia Day theme 2023: Advancing Preeclampsia Research
  • World Preeclampsia Day theme 2022: Act Early! Screen Early!
  • World Preeclampsia Day theme 2021: Beyond Pregnancy
  • World Preeclampsia Day theme 2020: Be prepared before lightning strikes
  • World Preeclampsia Day theme 2019: Be prepared before lightning strikes

Importance of World Preeclampsia Day (WPD)

The rise of preeclampsia - Recent research shows that individuals born in the 1990s and 2000s are twice as likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy compared to those born in the 1950s. Preeclampsia and other disorders can currently affect 8% of individuals giving birth.


Globally, the death of nearly 800 women in pregnancy and childbirth can be prevented with certain measures, especially in low and middle-income countries with the highest mortality rate (99%). An average of 4.5% of preeclampsia cases are reported in India. 


During these bleak times, it is necessary to recognise and delegate an event to highlight and emphasise the awareness of preeclampsia and spread the word about its screening, diagnosis, treatment and, if possible, its prevention. World Preeclampsia Day achieves the above said dictums successfully with its growing popularity. 

Screening of preeclampsia 

In all the pregnant receiving prenatal care, the preeclampsia screening is performed periodically, but its earlier identification ensures a faster diagnosis which provides closer monitoring and effective disease management.


Preeclampsia screening in the first trimester

Preeclampsia can be detected early on, even in the first trimester, through tests such as blood pressure checks, Doppler scans, and protein measurements between 11–14 weeks. If the test shows an increased risk, changes in diet and lifestyle can be advised to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. The earlier the risk is known, the more effective the treatment can be.


Preeclampsia diagnosis in later trimesters

A blood test that analyses two placental proteins throughout the second and third trimesters can predict the beginning of preeclampsia approximately four weeks in advance. With this information, prenatal care appointments may be planned at the appropriate frequency.

Preeclampsia risk factors

There is a wide range of factors which increase the chances of preeclampsia development, such as: 

  • Multiple pregnancies
  • First pregnancy 
  • Pregnancy developed artificial insemination or egg donation
  • Chronic kidney disease 
  • A previous case of hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Diabetes
  • Bring overweight
  • Pregnancy at a later age or higher maternal age
Steps pregnant women can take to avoid preeclampsia | Precautions to reduce preeclampsia | Preeclampsia preventive measures | measures to avoid Preeclampsia

Steps that pregnant women can take to avoid preeclampsia 

It is critical for pregnant women to attend all prenatal appointments. Additionally, blood pressure should be monitored on a regular basis. Gynecologist consultation is necessary in the event of the presentation of these potential warning signs: 

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Fast weight gain (more than 1 kg per week)
  • Significant water retention in the body
  • Restlessness


Precautions to reduce preeclampsia


The causes of preeclampsia are mainly unknown, making it difficult to formulate effective primary prevention strategies. However, research has identified advanced maternal age and obesity among other preeclampsia factors. So, avoiding pregnancy in those conditions can be a certain way to avoid the ailment. 


Anti-platelet agents and calcium supplementation during pregnancy have been shown to have some benefits for secondary prevention in women at high risk of developing the severe early-onset disease. 


The gynaecologist may prescribe calcium supplementation, which can approximately halve the risk of preeclampsia and also reduces the risk of preterm birth and death or severe morbidity. Nevertheless, it must be understood that only women with low dietary calcium intake are likely to benefit from calcium supplementation. 


Share on

Request an appointment

Fill in the appointment form or call us instantly to book a confirmed appointment with our super specialist at 04048486868

Appointment request - health articles

Case study of a 31-Y-O patient suffering from Kidney stones treated with RIRS at PACE Hospitals, Hyd
By Akshay Dasari May 12, 2025
Explore the case study of a 31-year-old patient suffering from flank pain, treated with RIRS and Holmium YAG laser by the Urology team at PACE Hospitals for successful kidney stone removal and relief.
Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosis, Treatment explained by Dr Govind Verma | Latest Liver Cirrhosis Treatment
By PACE Hospitals May 10, 2025
Explore Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options with Dr. Govind Verma, Sr. Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist. Watch a detailed video for early detection and management of liver cirrhosis. Stay tuned for more health awareness videos on PACE Hospitals.
Nephrologist FAQ guide | differences between nephrologists and urologists
By PACE Hospitals May 10, 2025
Explore who a nephrologist is, their role in kidney care, the main differences between nephrologists and urologists, and find answers to common questions in our FAQ guide.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day - History, Importance & General Tips
By PACE Hospitals May 10, 2025
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day 2025, marked annually on May 12, brings global attention to a condition characterized by persistent tiredness. Learn why it matters—its theme, relevance, and historical context.
Case study of successful right-sided frontoparietal brain surgery at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad
By PACE Hospitals May 10, 2025
Explore this detailed case study of a 48-year-old woman who underwent a successful right frontoparietal craniotomy performed by the expert Neurosurgery Team at PACE Hospitals, ensuring her optimal recovery and a smooth postoperative journey.
 International Nurses Day 2025 Theme, History and Importance
By PACE Hospitals May 10, 2025
Join the global tribute on 12th May for International Nurses Day 2025. Discover the theme, historical importance, and why celebrating nurses remains crucial in today’s world.
Case study of a 63-year-old patient with gastric neuroendocrine tumors treated at PACE Hospitals
By PACE Hospitals May 9, 2025
Explore the case study of a 63-year-old patient diagnosed with gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNTs), who underwent a successful laparoscopic gastrectomy performed by the expert Surgical Gastroenterologist team at PACE Hospitals.
World Lupus Day, 10 May 2025 | Theme, Importance, History & Control
By Pace Hospitals May 9, 2025
World Lupus Day is a global healthcare event commemorated every year on May 10th to raise awareness about Lupus, it is a chronic autoimmune disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissue, resulting in pain and inflammation of the body tissues. There are four various types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus, where SLE is the most common one.
 PACE Hospitals podcast with Dr. Seshi Janjirala covering Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
By Kamal Prakash May 8, 2025
Listen to the podcast with Dr. Seshi Janjirala from PACE Hospitals as he discusses Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC), including its Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, & treatment for improved heart health.
Show More