Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

Typically, preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters or middle to late pregnancy) and up to six weeks postpartum (after delivery), though in rare cases it can occur earlier than 20 weeks. Proper prenatal care is essential to diagnose and manage preeclampsia. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and toxemia are outdated terms for preeclampsia. HELLP syndrome and eclampsia (seizures) are other variants of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia Foundation Canada was incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act in May 2015. We are a charity dedicated to its mission of raising awareness and advancing education and research of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

These activities are made possible by the combined efforts of our dedicated Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board members, donors, and volunteers. We also understand the success of the Foundation requires true partnerships and have affiliated with the Preeclampsia Foundation in the United States.

Who We Are

We are governed by a small and cohesive Board of Directors who share a commitment to the mission of Preeclampsia Foundation Canada. The Board members of Preeclampsia Foundation Canada are:

• Violet Mateljan, President, Board of Directors
• Tracey MacCharles, Secretary, Board of Directors
• Leah Baker, National Promise Walk Chair
• Wendy Epp, Director of Finance
• Eleni Tsigas, Executive Director, Preeclampsia Foundation (United States)

We are advised by a medical board comprising of top medical and scientific experts in preeclampsia and related fields in Canada. The Medical Advisory Board members of Preeclampsia Foundation Canada are:

• Dr. Emmanuel Bujold, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec
• Dr. Isabella Caniggia, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
• Dr. Sandra Davidge, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
• Dr. Michael E. Helewa, St. Boniface Hospital, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Dr. Michelle Hladunewich, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario
• Dr. John Kingdom, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
• Dr. Graeme Smith, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

What We Do

• Educate, support and empower women - and their friends and loved ones - on the warning signs, long term consequences and medical understanding of preeclampsia, including their need to get timely care.
• Increase public awareness of preeclampsia.
• Fund preeclampsia research in Canada.