Women's experiences of preeclampsia: a prospective survey of preeclamptic women at a single tertiary centre

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) can suddenly disrupt a normal pregnancy experience. This project aimed to see how PE was experienced close to the time of birth, in a group of hospital patients. Women with PE who gave birth at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, from October 2010 to May 2012 were asked to complete a survey designed with consumer input. There was a 74% response rate. Regarding diagnosis, 90% experienced PE, 2.5% experienced eclampsia and 7.5% experienced HELLP. For 60% of women, their baby was born earlier than expected. Although 67.5% of women knew little about PE prior to pregnancy and diagnosis, 67.5% believed PE was serious or life threatening. Fifty-five percent were afra..