Women's Experiences of Preeclampsia: Australian Action on Preeclampsia Survey of Women and Their Confidants

Abstract

Introduction. The experience of normal pregnancy is often disrupted for women with preeclampsia (PE). Materials and Methods. Postal survey of the 112 members of the consumer group, Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC). Results. Surveys were returned by 68 women (61% response rate) and from 64 (57%) partners, close relatives or friends. Respondents reported experiencing pre-eclampsia (n = 53), eclampsia (n = 5), and/or Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP syndrome) (n = 26). Many women had no knowledge of PE prior to diagnosis (77%) and, once diagnosed, did not appreciate how serious or life threatening it was (50%). Women wanted access to information about PE. Their experience contributed substantial anxiety towards future pregnancies. Partners/friends/relatives expressed fear for the woman and/or her baby and had no prior understanding of PE. Conclusions. The PE experience had a substantial effect on women, their confidants, and their babies and affected their approach to future pregnancies. Access to information about PE was viewed as very important.

Mothers' experiences of having a premature infant due to pre‐eclampsia

“…This fact causes separation between the mothers and their infants. This type of separation and the problems it leads to have been examined in several other studies concerning women with pre‐eclampsia . All the informants experienced separation from their infants.…”

“…Birth was regarded as the solution for the serious condition, but the infants' transfer to the NICU made the mothers fear for the infants' lives . The mothers acknowledged the seriousness of their condition, but the premature birth triggered shock and anxiety . Women who had to deliver before term often felt unprepared to become mothers.…”

Knowledge of pre-eclampsia in women living in Makole Ward, Dodoma, Tanzania

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] The low levels of knowledge in a heterogeneous sample of studies suggests that life-saving health education is being neglected across different population groups and countries.…”

“…They reported feeling a loss of control, depression and anxiety. 2 A study in Brazil collected data from 120 women via a social network site, 20% of whom had been pregnant at least once. Low knowledge levels were found in this group even though they all had access to the internet.…”

A clinical study on risk- factors and feto-maternal outcome of pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh

“…Of these possible treatments, antihypertensive medications and magnesium sulphate are widely used in developed countries and in some developing countries 17 . Delivery of the baby, placenta, and membranes, indicated for maternal or fetal reasons, remains the only method for resolving preeclampsia, although it does not immediately remove all risks of mortality and morbidity, particularly in the early postpartum period 18 . Thus, there is not yet any considerable understanding of the genetic, pathophysiological, and clinical manifestations of PE, efective treatments, and long-term physical efects 18 .…”