RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – May marks the observance of Preeclampsia Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at increasing awareness among pregnant women about the symptoms of preeclampsia that are often mistaken for common pregnancy discomforts. In fact, the condition can threaten the lives of both mothers and babies if left untreated.

The campaign is initiated by the Preeclampsia Foundation and carries the 2026 theme, “Know the Symptoms, Take Action”. Through this campaign, the public is encouraged to recognize the warning signs of preeclampsia and seek medical attention immediately when symptoms appear.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, most commonly the kidneys, which is indicated by protein in the urine. The condition usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and affects around 2–8 percent of pregnancies worldwide.

Preeclampsia is also considered one of the leading causes of maternal and infant deaths, yet many of its symptoms are still overlooked because they are often seen as normal parts of pregnancy. In line with this year’s theme, there are six major warning signs, known as The Big 6 Symptoms, that should not be ignored.

In addition, these symptoms include persistent headaches, blurred vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper right abdomen, sudden weight gain, swelling of the face and hands, and shortness of breath. Data shows that although around 80 percent of pregnant women have heard of preeclampsia, only 8 percent can identify all of its major symptoms.

If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications such as premature birth, organ failure, seizures known as eclampsia, and even death for both mother and baby. The condition can also occur up to six weeks after childbirth, a condition known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Moreover, several groups are known to have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, including first-time mothers, pregnant women over the age of 35, women carrying multiple pregnancies, and those with a history of hypertension or obesity. In the United States, approximately one in 25 pregnancies is affected by preeclampsia.

To reduce the risk of severe complications, routine prenatal checkups and early detection are considered essential. In addition, low-dose aspirin between weeks 13 and 28 of pregnancy is often recommended for women at high risk of developing preeclampsia.

World Preeclampsia Day, observed every May 22, has become an important part of the global effort to raise awareness about the dangers of preeclampsia. Through Preeclampsia Awareness Month 2026, the Preeclampsia Foundation also encourages people to share stories and information on social media using the hashtags #PreAM26 and #KnowTheSymptoms.

Through this campaign, the public is reminded that not all pregnancy-related discomforts should be considered normal. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical care promptly can help prevent life-threatening complications for both mothers and babies.