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Did you know APEC was formed in 1992, so it is our 30th birthday next year!

Since 1992 in the UK we have made some amazing progress:

  • The number of babies dying has almost halved.
  • The number of women dying is at an all time low.

But we can still do more.


This year, you can get involved with our 3 key aims:

1. SUPPORT  –  Help us to continue supporting and advising women and families. Fundraise for us, volunteer for us. Read about peoples experiences on our new EXPERIENCE portal.

2. EDUCATE – Sign up for the FIRST LOOK at our online learning brand new  CPD accredited 18 module course, set to launch very soon. 

3. RESEARCH – help us as a patient rep, read about the projects we are involved with, sign up to come to our Expert Day Pre-eclampsia:Patient Safety after Covid

World Pre-eclampsia Day 2021

We have places for the London Marathon, Virtual London Marathon and the Mudnificent 7 Mud event. All these events and registration forms are on our Fundraising page

Often women are told that the “cure” for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby. While premature delivery is often necessary to save the life of the mother and the baby, delivery does not always immediately halt the effects of pre-eclampsia that in some cases can even present for the first time up to six weeks after delivery. It can also leave residual physical and/or mental health issues.

Women should take the following actions to monitor their pregnancies for pre-eclampsia and reduce risk:

The symptoms are:

  • Severe swelling of hands, feet or face,
  • Severe pain under the ribs
  • Severe headaches
  • Visual disturbances such as flashing lights
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling unwell

We advise pregnant women to:

  • Never miss an antenatal appointment
  • Have you blood pressure taken at every visit
  • Have your urine checked and if protein is found this should prompt further tests
  • Go back to your GP or midwife straight away if you have any concerns

APEC, as the national charity for families affected by pre-eclampsia does lots to support women including

  • We run a helpline and provide information to members of the public who are affected by pre-eclampsia – be this pregnant women, their family and friends and anyone worried about pre-eclampsia.
  • We run study days for midwives and health professionals who work with pregnant women, providing expert training on detection and management of pre-eclampsia.
  • We organise the UK meeting on hypertension in pregnancy for experts and researchers
  • We also facilitate a unique expert referral service, whereby women can be referred by their GPs to an expert on pre-eclampsia in their area.
  • APEC also provide leaflets to hospitals and maternity units informing women about pre-eclampsia and the importance of antenatal care. We have distributed over 300,000 leaflets this year alone.
  • We offer FREE online training for midwives on all aspects of pre-eclampsia care.