Gestosis is a serious disorder affecting motherhood and causes both immediate and future consequences to the mother and her baby. In medical terms, Gestosis is a pathological alteration in the normal physiology of pregnancy which is seemingly influenced by a host of factors such as ethnicity, race, age, genetics, and the environment. It typically manifests itself through serious complications and consequences including preeclampsia, eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, kidney failure, stroke, cardiac diseases, and pregnancy hypertension. This age-old disorder has evolved over time, primarily as a consequence of lifestyle changes. While its overall occurrence is seen in 7 - 15 % of pregnant mothers, nearly 50-70% of complicated pregnancies are Gestosis-affected.

Substantial research is needed to identify the various causative factors of Gestosis, as also to understand the pathogenesis of the disease conglomeration with more clarity and conviction. Focused research, comprehensive training, standardization of practices, and dedicated efforts alone will help us control the disease, prevent complications, and reduce the poor maternal and neonatal outcomes attributed to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, especially eclampsia. We need to create awareness about the disease among all stakeholders – both health care providers and the public at large as a key step in the war against this devastating pregnancy complication. With the underlying objectives in mind, we have incepted the Gestosis India Association (GIA), the Indian chapter of the World Organization Gestosis - (The OGASH)