1Observing the month of May 2013 as "Preeclampsia Awareness
2Month" in Pennsylvania.

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

7WHEREAS, As many as 320,000 cases of preeclampsia are
8diagnosed in the United States every year with 25% of the cases
9classified as severe; and

10WHEREAS, Every six minutes in the United States, a pregnant
11woman and her baby face life-threatening consequences because of
12preeclampsia; and

13WHEREAS, Preeclampsia causes approximately 18% of all

1maternal deaths in the United States; and

2WHEREAS, The signs and symptoms of preeclampsia are spikes in
3maternal blood pressure, sudden swelling of feet, face and
4hands, severe upper abdominal pain and blurred vision; and

5WHEREAS, Public education of the signs and symptoms of
6preeclampsia can help women recognize the condition and seek
7appropriate medical care; and

8WHEREAS, Many citizens of this Commonwealth have joined with
9the Preeclampsia Foundation to raise public awareness in order
10to minimize maternal and infant illness and death due to
11preeclampsia; therefore be it

12RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives observe the month
13of May 2013 as "Preeclampsia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.