PREDICTING PREECLAMPSIA IN EARLY PREGNANCY

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertensive disorders during pregnancy — including preeclampsia — are among the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. Each year, approximately 500,000 women worldwide die from pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications, with 10–15% of these deaths attributed to hypertensive conditions, particularly preeclampsia and eclampsia. These conditions are more prevalent in low-income countries, where maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high. For instance, maternal deaths due to preeclampsia and eclampsia are significantly more common in regions such as Africa and South Asia compared to other parts of the world. Preeclampsia affects approximately 2–8% of all pregnancies and poses serious risks not only to maternal health but also to fetal and neonatal outcomes