We can explain all you need to know about pre-eclampsia; what we do; current research and theories; and provide you with pre-eclampsia specialists available for interview in print and broadcast media; as well as access to families who have been affected by the condition.

We can be contacted on 020 8863 3271 and 07977 487761 or by emailing the Press Office at charlotteaustinsmith@apec.org.uk or mikerich@apec.org.uk

PRESS RELEASE 14 October 2004
Pregnant women should look for the message in a bottle – it’s a life-saver!

Thousands of pregnant women may be needlessly putting their health and that of their baby at risk from a condition of pregnancy that is a potential killer. Pre-eclampsia is responsible for the deaths of around 6 women each year and 2 babies each and every day, and that is not the whole story.

The next triennial report into maternal deaths, “Why Mothers Die 2000-2002”, is being published during National Pre-eclampsia Week on 12th November 2004. While it is hoped that the findings of the report will show a reduction in the number of maternal deaths in the UK from 15 between 1997 and 1999, these figures do not give the whole story. Research carried out into “near-misses” suggests that almost 600 women each year in the UK could be nearly dying from pre-eclampsia.

The charity Action on Pre-Eclampsia is calling for pregnant women to be made aware of the “Message in a Bottle” and the vital need to have their blood pressure and urine checked at every antenatal appointment for signs of the condition.

With the only cure for pre-eclampsia being urgent delivery of the baby, the best way for mums and babies to be kept safe is to attend antenatal appointments for screening and management. Unfortunately, many women are still turning up without urine samples or, in some cases, not turning up at all.

“Almost 70,000 women are affected by pre-eclampsia every year in the UK and while for many the experience will be mild, thousands of others will experience premature births, emergency caesareans and traumatic experiences that will leave psychological scars for many years to come” comments Mike Rich, Chief Executive of Action on Pre-Eclampsia.

“Pregnant women should make sure that they take a fresh urine specimen with them each time they see their midwife and that it is always checked for protein, a key indicator of pre-eclampsia. If protein is found, they should ask for another check up within the week.”

Further information on Pre-Eclampsia can be obtained from the Action on Pre-Eclampsia helpline on 020 8427 4217 or information is available from www.apec.org.uk

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact the Action on Pre-Eclampsia Press Office on 020 8863 3271 or on mobile 07977 487761 or email charlotteaustinsmith@apec.org.uk or mikerich@apec.org.uk

We can also provide two case studies from women who are prepared to be interviewed and photographed for the campaign on behalf of Action on Pre-Eclampsia. If you would like to use their stories, please let us know.

The Action on Pre-Eclampsia helpline contact details are 020 8427 4217 support@apec.org.uk

The “Message in a Bottle” campaign 2004 is sponsored by Bayer plc.

Action on Pre-Eclampsia was set up in 1991 to:

• Raise public and professional awareness of pre-eclampsia, improve care and ease or prevent physical and emotional suffering caused by the condition.
• Provide support for people who suffer or have suffered from pre-eclampsia, and their families. The helpline can be contacted on 020 8427 4217, Monday-Friday.
• Educate, inform and advise the public and health professionals about the prevalence, nature and risks of pre-eclampsia.

Action on Pre-Eclampsia
84-88 Pinner Road,
Harrow
HA1 4HZ
T: 020 8863 3271
F: 020 8424 0653
W: www.apec.org.uk