Preeclampsia: Signs, Risks, and What to Do During Pregnancy: C...

Finding out you're at risk for preeclampsia—or even just hearing the word for the first time—can feel overwhelming. But here's what we want you to know right away: understanding this condition is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and your baby. Preeclampsia affects approximately 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide, and while it's a serious condition that requires medical attention, catching it early and knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in your pregnancy journey.

Whether you're here because your healthcare provider mentioned preeclampsia, you noticed some concerning symptoms, or you simply want to be prepared, we're going to walk through everything you need to know—from the earliest warning signs to the steps you can take to keep yourself and your little one safe.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly the liver and kidneys. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, though it can occasionally occur earlier or even after delivery.

Think of your blood vessels during pregnancy as highways that deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to your baby. In preeclampsia, these blood vessels don't develop or function properly, leading to increased blood pressure and reduced blood flow to vital organs. This is why your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure at every prenatal appointment—it's one of the most important screening tools we have.

The Different Types of Preeclampsia

Understanding the spectrum of this condition can help you communicate better with your healthcare team:

Mild Preeclampsia: Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher, with protein in the urine. Symptoms may be minimal, and the condition can often be managed with close monitoring. Severe Preeclampsia: Blood pressure readings of 160/110 mmHg or higher, with significant protein in the urine and other symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain. HELLP Syndrome: A severe form that affects the liver and blood clotting. The name stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. Eclampsia: When preeclampsia progresses to cause seizures, it becomes eclampsia—a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Warning Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

One of the tricky things about preeclampsia is that it can develop without obvious symptoms, which is why regular prenatal care is so crucial. However, there are warning signs that should prompt you to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Classic Warning Signs

Severe headaches: Not your typical pregnancy headache—these tend to be persistent, severe, and don't respond to rest or typical pain relief. Vision changes: Blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, temporary loss of vision, or sensitivity to light. Upper abdominal pain: Particularly under the ribs on your right side (where your liver is located), this pain can feel like severe heartburn or indigestion. Sudden swelling: While some swelling is normal in pregnancy, sudden, severe swelling of your face, hands, or feet—especially if it seems to appear overnight—warrants attention. Sudden weight gain: Gaining more than 2-3 pounds in a single week may indicate fluid retention associated with preeclampsia. Nausea or vomiting: Particularly in the second half of pregnancy when morning sickness has typically passed. Decreased urination: Producing less urine than usual can indicate kidney involvement.

If you experience any combination of these symptoms, don't wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest emergency room. Our Symptom Checker can help you track what you're experiencing, but remember—it's always better to get checked and find out everything is fine than to wait and risk complications.

Understanding Your Risk Factors

While any pregnant person can develop preeclampsia, certain factors increase your risk. Knowing your risk profile helps both you and your healthcare team stay vigilant.

Higher-Risk Categories

First pregnancy: Preeclampsia is more common in first-time pregnancies, though it can occur in any pregnancy. Previous preeclampsia: If you had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, your risk of developing it again is 15-25%. Family history: Having a mother, sister, or grandmother who had preeclampsia increases your risk. Age: Being younger than 20 or older than 40 puts you at higher risk. Multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the demands on your cardiovascular system. Pregnancy interval: Pregnancies more than 10 years apart may carry higher risk.

Pre-existing Health Conditions

Several chronic health conditions are associated with increased preeclampsia risk:

• Chronic high blood pressure
• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sickle cell disease

If any of these apply to you, your healthcare provider will likely monitor you more closely throughout your pregnancy. This isn't meant to worry you—it's meant to catch any concerns early when they're most manageable. Tracking your pregnancy progress through our Week by Week Guide can help you stay informed about what to expect at each stage.

How Preeclampsia Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood pressure measurements, urine tests, and blood work. Understanding what your healthcare provider is looking for can help you feel more informed and involved in your care.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Your blood pressure is considered elevated if it reaches 140/90 mmHg or higher on two separate occasions at least four hours apart. Severe hypertension is diagnosed at 160/110 mmHg or higher.

Some women experience "white coat hypertension"—elevated readings only at medical appointments due to anxiety. Your provider may ask you to monitor your blood pressure at home or wear a 24-hour monitor to get a clearer picture.

Urine Testing

Protein in your urine (proteinuria) is a classic sign of preeclampsia. This is why you provide a urine sample at each prenatal visit. Significant protein indicates your kidneys may be affected.

Blood Tests

Blood work helps assess how your organs are functioning and may include:

• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Platelet count
• Complete blood count

Additional Tests

Depending on your situation, your provider may also recommend:

• Ultrasound to check baby's growth and amniotic fluid levels
• Non-stress test to monitor baby's heart rate
• Biophysical profile
• Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow

Treatment and Management Options

The only definitive cure for preeclampsia is delivery. However, the timing of delivery depends on how severe your condition is and how far along your pregnancy is. Your healthcare team will work to balance the risks to you against the benefits of giving your baby more time to develop.

Mild Preeclampsia Management

If your preeclampsia is mild and you're before 37 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend:

Close monitoring: More frequent prenatal visits, possibly twice weekly, with blood pressure checks and urine tests. Activity modification: Reduced activity or modified bed rest, though complete bed rest is no longer routinely recommended. Blood pressure medication: In some cases, medications to lower your blood pressure may be prescribed. Regular testing: Frequent blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor both your health and baby's growth. Kick counts: Daily monitoring of your baby's movements at home.

Severe Preeclampsia Management

Severe preeclampsia often requires hospitalisation for close monitoring and may include:

Magnesium sulfate: Given intravenously to prevent seizures. This medication can make you feel warm, flushed, and tired, but it's one of our most important tools for protecting you and your baby. Blood pressure medications: Stronger medications to bring your blood pressure down safely. Corticosteroids: If delivery before 34 weeks seems likely, steroids may be given to help mature your baby's lungs. Continuous monitoring: Both you and your baby will be closely watched around the clock.

When Delivery Becomes Necessary

Your healthcare team may recommend delivery if:

• You're at or near 37 weeks with mild preeclampsia
• Your condition is severe regardless of gestational age
• Your baby shows signs of distress
• Your condition worsens despite treatment
• You develop HELLP syndrome or eclampsia

Many women with preeclampsia can still have vaginal deliveries, though the situation may require continuous monitoring. In some cases, a caesarean section may be recommended for the safety of you and your baby.

What You Can Do: Prevention and Self-Care

While we can't completely prevent preeclampsia, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and support early detection.

Before and During Pregnancy

Attend all prenatal appointments: This is your best defence. Regular monitoring catches problems early when they're most treatable. Use our Due Date Calculator to help plan your prenatal care schedule. Consider low-dose aspirin: If you have risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend starting low-dose aspirin (typically 81mg) between 12-16 weeks of pregnancy. Studies show this can reduce preeclampsia risk by about 17% in high-risk women. Never start aspirin without talking to your provider first. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular, moderate exercise (with your provider's approval), a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and adequate rest all support overall pregnancy health. Manage chronic conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, working closely with your healthcare team to keep them well-controlled is essential. Know your baseline: Understanding your normal blood pressure before and early in pregnancy helps identify changes more easily.

Calcium and Other Supplements

Some research suggests that calcium supplementation (1,000-2,000mg daily) may help prevent preeclampsia in women who have low calcium intake. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to increased risk. Talk to your provider about what supplements might be right for you.

Life After Preeclampsia: Long-Term Considerations

Your journey doesn't end with delivery. Women who have had preeclampsia need ongoing care and monitoring.

Immediate Postpartum Period

Preeclampsia can persist or even develop for the first time after delivery. Most cases resolve within a few days to weeks of delivery, but you'll need close monitoring during this time. Watch for the same warning signs (headache, vision changes, swelling) and don't hesitate to seek care.

Long-Term Health Implications

Women who have had preeclampsia have a higher lifetime risk of:

• Chronic hypertension
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes

This doesn't mean these conditions are inevitable—it means you have valuable information about your health that can guide preventive care. Share your preeclampsia history with all your healthcare providers, even years later.

Planning Future Pregnancies

If you've had preeclampsia and are considering another pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about your individual risk and what preventive measures might help. Many women who had preeclampsia go on to have healthy subsequent pregnancies.

Your Health Matters—Trust Your Instincts

If there's one thing we want you to take away from this article, it's this: you know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong, speak up. No healthcare provider will ever fault you for being cautious about your health and your baby's health.

Preeclampsia can feel scary, but knowledge truly is power here. By understanding the warning signs, attending your prenatal appointments, and communicating openly with your healthcare team, you're already taking the most important steps to protect yourself and your little one.

Remember, millions of women with preeclampsia have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies every year. With proper monitoring and care, the vast majority of preeclampsia cases are managed successfully. You've got this, and your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way.

As you continue your pregnancy journey, don't forget to start thinking ahead—our Registry Checklist can help you prepare for baby's arrival while you focus on taking care of yourself. And always, always trust your instincts. You're already being an amazing advocate for your baby by educating yourself about conditions like preeclampsia.

Wishing you a healthy, happy pregnancy—we're cheering you on.

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