Silent killer of SA women

EXPERT WARNS PREGNANT MOTHERS ARE ESPECIALLY AT HIGH RISK Pre-eclampsia is major threat, particularly in rural areas.

Astudy has found that South African women have among the world’s highest rates of hypertension ( high blood pressure), according to the chairperson of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths, professor Jack Moodley.

Moodley called on government to act urgently to prevent the condition increasing.

“One in 10 pregnant women, especially those in rural areas, have high levels of raised blood pressure (BP) leading to pre-eclampsia, a leading cause of death in most pregnant women in South Africa,” warned Moodley.

Pre-eclampsia affects mainly first-time pregnant women and is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It leads to death if not detected and treated early.

Moodley added that a key factor adding to the high BP levels was poor antenatal care. It was largely due to women’s late presentation at clinics as many failed to book early in their pregnancy – due to lack of transport – and there was a lack of awareness of signs and symptoms.

He said there might be a genetic and hereditary link, although there was limited research on this.

Among the tell-tale signs, Moodley said, were swelling of the feet after 20 weeks of pregnancy, blood in the urine and persistent headaches.

“If these symptoms and signs are present, pregnant women should immediately contact a clinic or their antenatal care provider,” warned Moodley.

South African women also had among the highest rates of hypertension in the nonpregnant category. –