Maternal disorder discovered in 400 BC still doesn't have cure

Preeclampsia epidemic puts spotlight on postpartum care

What you probably already know: Preeclampsia complicates one in every seven pregnancies, and the frequency of the disorder, which can be deadly to pregnant women or those who recently gave birth, is on the rise. Despite that, little research has been done to determine the cause of preeclampsia, which often causes a large spike in blood pressure. What we do know is that cardiovascular issues, which include preeclampsia, are behind about one-third of all pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. As is often the case with maternal health issues, preeclampsia affects a higher percentage of women of color, particularly Black women.

Why? Despite having been first recorded in Hippocrates’ writings from 400 B.C., little has changed in the way preeclampsia has been treated, and no one knows what causes it. It can cause strokes or heart attacks in otherwise healthy women with no history of cardiac issues. In a heartbreaking story in the Wall Street Journal, a new mother died of a likely pulmonary embolism — blood clots in the lungs — after repeatedly going to the doctor and hospital with high blood pressure and headaches.

What it means: Postpartum care in the U.S. is particularly poor compared to other wealthy countries, and in 63.3% of cases, happen postpartum. The country is in between Grenada and Lebanon when it comes to maternal mortality rates, and ranks well below countries where women’s rights are not strongly protected, including Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Russia. “This is yet another example of how our country continuously fails to prioritize maternal health,” said Steph Foley, CEO of postpartum care company Yuzi. “We wonder why women are increasingly hesitant to have children when they face unnecessary risks and lack proper care.”

What happens now? According to the World Health Organization, preeclampsia is one of the least funded areas of research. The Preeclampsia Foundation recently announced a new set of research grants named after the infant son of a preeclampsia victim, and is seeking to award multiple $200,000 grants each year. But until significant funding is dedicated to this research, mothers will continue to be affected.

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