Data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India, is the leading cause of maternal mortality and can be prevented by simple blood tests. Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterised by the presence of high-blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) during pregnancy. "Most cases of pre-eclampsia develop in healthy women bearing their first child. Pre-eclampsia can happen as early as 20 weeks of gestation and can only be resolved by delivery. However, late diagnosis of the condition can lead to long term maternal complications that can be fatal to the mother and the child," he said. Pre-eclampsia can be detected and managed accordingly with the help of blood tests during pregnancy. The medical community must come together to educate the masses as well as pregnant women that various complications can be avoided with simple blood tests at regular intervals," he added. For more: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-15/pune/30519802_1_maternal-mortality-eclampsia-rural-areas