[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF PREECLAMPSIA AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 2014

  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Preeclampsia Awareness Month and the importance of addressing maternal 
and infant health.
   Preeclampsia is a serious and far too common complication of 
pregnancy and is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths, illness, 
and premature birth. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the 
disease affects approximately 1 in 12 women, and if untreated can lead 
to seizure, stroke, organ failure or death. The good news is that early 
diagnosis is possible through simple screenings and good prenatal care 
can predict or delay many adverse outcomes of preeclampsia.
   However, too many people are unaware of this potentially fatal 
condition. The main indicator of preeclampsia is high blood pressure. 
Additional symptoms of preeclampsia are common to pregnancy such as 
headaches, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, confusion, 
heightened state of anxiety or visual disturbances such as 
oversensitivity to light or blurred vision. That is why I support the 
Preeclampsia Foundation's efforts to educate women and their families 
to know the symptoms, respond to warning signs, and seek prenatal care.
   So much more needs to be understood about this condition--why it 
occurs, how to cure it, and its long-term effect on a woman and her 
child's health. Research has demonstrated a possible direct link to the 
placenta. I understand that starting this year, the National Institute 
of Child Health and Human Development at NIH will embark on a new 
effort to understand diseases and conditions related to the placenta, 
and it is my hope that it leads to new discovery for preeclampsia and 
other conditions of pregnancy.
   Together we must do all we can to eliminate preventable maternal and 
infant death and disability. I am hopeful for the promise of our 
research efforts, and I am grateful for the work of clinicians around 
this country and organizations like the Preeclampsia Foundation who 
work so hard tirelessly to advance maternal and infant health and well-
being.

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