1Designating the month of May 2014 as "Preeclampsia Awareness
2Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition of pregnancy
4that can, in its severest form, lead to maternal and/or infant
5mortality or premature birth with significant health risks for
6the mother and the baby; and

7WHEREAS, Preeclampsia includes HELLP Syndrome, named for its
8characteristics of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low
9platelet count, and eclampsia, which is associated with
10pregnancy-related seizure activity; and

11WHEREAS, As many as 320,000 cases of preeclampsia are
12diagnosed in the United States every year, with approximately
1325% resulting in severe, life-threatening consequences to a
14pregnant woman and her baby; and

1WHEREAS, Public education as to signs and symptoms of
2preeclampsia, HELLP Syndrome and eclampsia can help women
3recognize these conditions and seek appropriate medical care;
4and

5WHEREAS, Prenatal education should include recognition of
6symptoms which include spikes in maternal blood pressure, sudden
7swelling of face and hands, severe upper abdominal pain, blurred
8vision, persistent headaches and breathlessness; and

9WHEREAS, Many residents of this Commonwealth have joined with
10the Preeclampsia Foundation to raise public awareness in keeping
11with the goal of minimizing maternal and infant illness and
12death due to preeclampsia; and

13WHEREAS, The House of Representatives supports the
14Preeclampsia Foundation in its efforts to provide support and
15improve health care practices for persons impacted by
16preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy;
17therefore be it

18RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
19month of May 2014 as "Preeclampsia Awareness Month" in
20Pennsylvania.