What to know about preeclampsia

Pregnancy brings many expected changes, from fatigue and heartburn to morning sickness and weight gain. But some symptoms can signal something more serious.

Severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling or high blood pressure may be signs of preeclampsia, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that requires prompt medical attention.

Understanding your risk factors and recognizing warning signs can help you know when to talk with your healthcare provider. Regular prenatal visits are especially important because some of the earliest signs of preeclampsia may be detected during routine screenings. 

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys and liver. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and most often occurs during the third trimester.

A related condition, called postpartum preeclampsia, can develop after delivery, usually within the first week after birth.

Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both mother and baby, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are important. 

Symptoms of preeclampsia

Many women with preeclampsia feel fine at first. In fact, some of the earliest signs are often identified during a prenatal appointment.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine
• Swelling, particularly in the hands, face or feet
• Sudden weight gain caused by fluid retention
• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision, light sensitivity or seeing spots
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Shortness of breath

If untreated, preeclampsia can become severe and lead to complications such as kidney damage, liver damage, fluid in the lungs and dangerously high blood pressure.

What causes preeclampsia?

Experts don’t know exactly what causes preeclampsia, but researchers believe it begins in the placenta, the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to a developing baby.

Early in pregnancy, blood vessels in the placenta develop and change to support the growing fetus. In women who develop preeclampsia, these blood vessels may not develop or function as expected, affecting blood flow between mother and baby.

Researchers continue to study why these changes occur and why some women develop preeclampsia while others do not.

Who is at risk?

Preeclampsia can affect any pregnant woman, but some factors increase the risk.

Risk factors include:

• A history of high blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes
• A previous pregnancy affected by preeclampsia
• Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
• First pregnancy
• Obesity
• Pregnancy after age 35
• A family history of preeclampsia
• A history of certain pregnancy complications, including growth-restricted babies 

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you’ll develop preeclampsia. It simply means your provider may monitor you more closely during pregnancy.

How does preeclampsia affect the baby?

Preeclampsia can reduce blood flow to the placenta, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients a baby receives.

As a result, babies may grow more slowly than expected or have a lower birth weight. In some cases, preeclampsia may make an early delivery necessary to protect the health of the mother and baby.

Another possible complication is placental abruption, a condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. This can be dangerous for both mother and baby and requires immediate medical attention. 

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, but certain healthy habits may help reduce your risk and support a healthy pregnancy.

These include:

• Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy when possible
• Staying physically active as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Getting adequate sleep
• Attending all prenatal appointments

For women at higher risk, your healthcare provider may recommend low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. Always talk with your provider before starting any medication.

When to call your provider

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia can develop quickly, and early treatment can help reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

Regular prenatal care remains one of the best ways to identify preeclampsia early and protect the health of both mother and baby.