Each pregnancy is unique, and all pregnant people deserve the best chance of three healthy trimesters and a safe, fulfilling delivery. Unfortunately, a serious pregnancy complication called preeclampsia threatens this hope for many families. Preeclampsia causes dangerously high blood pressure and can damage the kidneys or liver. When it goes undetected or untreated, it can lead to preterm birth (baby being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), serious health complications and, in the worst cases, the death of a mother or baby.

 

Pregnancy is a time of hope, but also risk. Fortunately, the risk of preeclampsia can be reduced. Bronx Healthy Start Partnership, in collaboration with the March of Dimes, is launching the Bronx Preeclampsia Prevention Campaign, a borough-wide effort focused on education, early screening, and raising awareness about one simple but powerful intervention: giving low-dose aspirin to pregnant people who may be at higher risk for preeclampsia.

 

Why This Matters in the Bronx

The Bronx continues to face some of the highest rates of maternal health challenges in New York City and across the nation. Preeclampsia affects approximately 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States and remains one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related illness, preterm birth, and maternal mortality.

 

The good news is that many of these complications can be prevented or reduced through early prenatal care, routine screening, and timely education. By helping families recognize risks and connect with trusted healthcare providers, we can improve outcomes for parents and babies alike.

 

Bringing Information Directly to the Community

The Bronx Preeclampsia Prevention Campaign is built around a simple idea: people are more likely to act on health information when it comes from trusted sources in their own communities. To make that possible, the campaign will work with six local hospitals to bring maternal health education to neighborhood locations. Major Bronx health systems including Montefiore Einstein, NYC Health + Hospitals, BronxCare Health System, SBH Health System and Jacobi Medical Center, are partnering with community-based organizations, faith leaders, WIC programs, prenatal care providers, libraries, and local health advocates to reach families where they live, work, worship, and receive care.

 

Over the course of the campaign, more than 2,400 Bronx families are expected to receive maternal health education, blood pressure screening resources, and blood pressure cuff kits. More than 100 community organizations have joined the effort, creating a powerful network dedicated to healthier pregnancies and safer births.

 

Low Dose, Big Benefits

One of the campaign’s most important messages is that a small daily dose of aspirin can make a big difference. For pregnant individuals who are at increased risk of preeclampsia, taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg) under the guidance of a healthcare provider can significantly reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, experiencing a preterm birth, or facing pregnancy complications.

 

Clinical guidelines recommend that eligible patients begin taking low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks of pregnancy, but only after discussing it with their prenatal care provider.

 

People who may benefit include those who have:

• Had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• A multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets

 

The campaign encourages all pregnant individuals to talk openly with their healthcare providers about their personal risk factors and whether low-dose aspirin may be right for them.

 

Know the Warning Signs 

Preeclampsia can develop quickly, so recognizing early warning signs and seeking care can save lives.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A severe headache that will not go away
• Blurred vision or seeing spots
• Swelling of the face or hands
• Pain in the upper right abdomen or shoulder
• Sudden weight gain
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy

 

A Shared Commitment to Healthier Births

The strength of the Bronx Preeclampsia Prevention Campaign lies in partnership. Hospitals, community organizations, doulas, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and neighborhood advocates are coming together with the goal of reducing preeclampsia and helping more families experience healthier pregnancies, safer births, and brighter beginnings.

 

For information about the Bronx Preeclampsia Prevention Campaign or to request a community presentation, contact: Bronx Healthy Start Partnership at bxhealthystart@einsteinmed.edu. For more information, visit

https://einsteinmed.edu/departments/family-social-medicine/community-health/bronx-healthy-start.

 

Raisha Hernandez MA is a community health program manager with the Office of Community and Population Health at Montefiore Einstein.