WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids is proud to announce its participation in the Blue Band Project, an initiative aimed at improving early recognition and response to preeclampsia and eclampsia, two potentially life-threatening conditions that can affect pregnant and postpartum individuals.
The project centers around a simple but impactful tool: a blue identification band provided to patients who have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, have high blood pressure, or are considered at risk for eclampsia. Patients are encouraged to wear the band throughout pregnancy and for up to six weeks after delivery, unless directed otherwise by their health care provider.
“The project is to help improve patient safety, facilitate prompt intervention, enhances communication, and helps promote patient’s being an advocate for their own healthcare,” said Brittany Young, Nursing Manager at Aspirus Health in Wisconsin Rapids.
The blue band serves as a visible alert to health care professionals at all points of care, ensuring that those at elevated risk for complications are immediately recognized and can receive timely, appropriate treatment. In emergency situations, this added visibility can be lifesaving.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy but can also occur up to six weeks postpartum. It affects vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver and can progress to eclampsia, which may lead to seizures, stroke, or death if not treated promptly. Symptoms can include high blood pressure, swelling of the face or hands, persistent headaches, vision changes such as seeing spots, pain in the upper right abdomen, sudden or rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heartburn that doesn’t improve, and decreased or absent urination.
Several factors increase the risk of developing preeclampsia, including a personal or family history of the condition, being a first-time parent, having high blood pressure or kidney disease, being over age 35, carrying multiples, undergoing fertility treatments, or living with medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or bleeding disorders. Although preeclampsia often resolves after childbirth, it can have long-term health effects. Individuals who have experienced the condition are at greater risk for developing chronic hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack later in life.
Aspirus encourages patients who receive a blue band to continue wearing it until their provider advises otherwise, attend all follow-up appointments even if they are feeling well, take prescribed medications as directed, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms related to preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids remains committed to delivering exceptional, compassionate care and is proud to participate in the Blue Band Project as part of its ongoing mission to support safer pregnancies, healthier mothers, and stronger families.
For more information about the Blue Band Project or maternal health services at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids, please visit aspirus.org.