Bulletins

Preeclampsia Awareness Month is observed in May to promote prenatal care and increase education about preeclampsia, which is a complication of pregnancy in which affected women develop high blood pressure (hypertension). This condition usually occurs in the last few months of pregnancy and often requires early delivery of the infant.

In addition to hypertension, signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can include swelling of the face or hands, headaches, dizziness, irritability, shortness of breath, a decrease in urination, upper abdominal pain, protein in the urine, vomiting, or vision changes. These signs and symptoms usually go away within a few days after the baby is born. In severe cases, however, preeclampsia can damage the mother's organs, such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Severe preeclampsia can also affect the fetus, with impairment of blood and oxygen flow leading to growth problems or stillbirth. Infants delivered early due to preeclampsia may have complications associated with prematurity, such as breathing problems caused by underdeveloped lungs.

Preeclampsia is a common condition in all populations, occurring in 5 to 8 percent of pregnancies. It occurs more frequently in women of African or Hispanic descent than it does in women of European descent. Women who have had preeclampsia have approximately twice the lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke than do women in the general population.

While without treatment preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and the infant, Preeclampsia Awareness Month is a time to emphasize that if this condition is well managed, women with preeclampsia can have healthy babies and return to normal health.

On April 24, 2008, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act was signed into law in the United States. Newborn screening is the practice of testing all babies for certain disorders and conditions that can hinder their normal development. The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act provided resources to apply national standards for newborn screening programs in every state, including funding for follow-up care, education materials, outreach, professional training, and quality control.

Newborn screening is performed on all infants born in the United States, usually 24 to 48 hours after the baby is born. The test is performed by pricking the baby's heel to collect a few drops of blood. The blood is placed on a special piece of paper and sent to a laboratory for analysis, the results of which can help identify serious health conditions that might not otherwise be recognized yet. Parents can ask for a copy of the test results, which are sent to the baby's doctor or clinic.

On March 16, 2015, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act took effect. The Reauthorization Act assures that this vital public health program continues. The Reauthorization Act added an amendment that requires parental consent if a newborn's blood spot is to be used in federally-funded research.

Please use the links below to learn more about newborn screening and the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act.