The most important warning signs of preeclampsia are a severe or persistent headache, changes in your vision, pain in the upper right side of your belly or just below your ribs, and sudden swelling of your face or hands. Preeclampsia usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, and it can also appear in the weeks after giving birth. Many women feel completely well in the early stages, so regular blood pressure checks are just as important as knowing the symptoms. If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor or midwife right away. Early detection makes a real difference for both mother and baby.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure together with signs that other organs are under strain. Doctors often detect it through protein in the urine, but it can also affect the liver, kidneys, blood, brain, and the placenta. In general, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher on two occasions in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure is a reason for further checks.
Preeclampsia is different from ordinary pregnancy discomforts. It can progress, sometimes quickly, and in severe cases it may lead to complications such as seizures (eclampsia), problems with blood clotting, liver damage, stroke, or reduced blood flow to the baby. This is why it needs close medical monitoring rather than home treatment alone.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but experts believe it begins with the placenta. In early pregnancy, new blood vessels form to carry blood to the placenta. In preeclampsia, these vessels may not develop or work as they should. This can affect how blood flows to the placenta and may trigger changes in the mother’s blood vessels throughout the body, leading to high blood pressure and organ strain.
Preeclampsia is not caused by anything a mother did wrong. However, some women have a higher chance of developing it. Known risk factors include:
- A first pregnancy, or a first pregnancy with a new partner
- Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- High blood pressure before pregnancy (chronic hypertension)
- Diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome
- Carrying twins or more
- Becoming pregnant at an older age
- Obesity before pregnancy
- A mother or sister who had preeclampsia
- Pregnancy through assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF
- A long gap between pregnancies
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop preeclampsia. It simply means your care team may watch you more closely.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some women with preeclampsia have no symptoms at all, especially early on. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Severe or Persistent Headache
A headache that is unusually strong, does not go away with rest, or keeps coming back can be a sign of rising blood pressure. Pay particular attention if it feels different from headaches you have had before.
Vision Changes
Blurred vision, seeing flashing lights or spots, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision can signal that preeclampsia is affecting the nervous system.
Upper Abdominal Pain
Pain under the ribs, especially on the right side, or in the upper middle of the belly may suggest the liver is affected. It is sometimes mistaken for heartburn or indigestion, so do not ignore it in the second half of pregnancy.
Sudden Swelling
Mild swelling of the feet and ankles is common in pregnancy. However, sudden swelling of the face, around the eyes, or in the hands, or rapid weight gain over a few days, should be checked.
Other Signs
- New nausea or vomiting in the later months of pregnancy
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Passing much less urine than usual
- Feeling generally very unwell, confused, or unusually anxious
- Your baby moving less than usual
How Preeclampsia Is Detected
Routine antenatal visits are one of the best protections against preeclampsia. At each visit, your care provider will usually check your blood pressure and may test your urine for protein. If preeclampsia is suspected, you may need blood tests to check your kidney and liver function and your platelet count, as well as ultrasound scans and monitoring of your baby’s heart rate and growth.
What You Can Do
While preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, there are practical steps that help protect you and your baby:
- Attend all antenatal appointments. Regular blood pressure and urine checks can find preeclampsia before you feel unwell.
- Tell your care provider about your history. Share any previous pregnancy complications, chronic health conditions, or family history of preeclampsia early in pregnancy.
- Ask about preventive care if you are at higher risk. For some women with certain risk factors, doctors may recommend a preventive medication started during pregnancy. Only take medicines that your doctor has specifically advised for you.
- Eat a balanced diet. Include calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, tofu, tempeh, small fish eaten with bones, and green leafy vegetables. If your diet is low in calcium, your doctor may advise a supplement.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home if advised. Write down your readings and bring them to your appointments.
- Know your baby’s movement pattern. Become familiar with how your baby normally moves and report any decrease.
- Stay active within safe limits and get enough rest, following your care provider’s guidance.
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, your doctor will create a care plan based on how severe the condition is and how far along your pregnancy is. This may include more frequent check-ups, blood pressure treatment, hospital monitoring, or steps to support your baby’s development. Decisions about the timing and method of birth are made carefully by your medical team together with you.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care immediately, at the nearest hospital or by contacting your doctor or midwife without delay, if you have any of the following during pregnancy or in the weeks after birth:
- A severe headache that does not improve
- Blurred vision, flashing lights, spots, or loss of vision
- Pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or around the eyes
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Seizures, fainting, or confusion
- A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher at home, or 160/110 mmHg or higher, which needs urgent attention
- Your baby moving less than usual, or vaginal bleeding
Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice these signs. It is always better to be checked and reassured than to delay care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can preeclampsia happen after the baby is born?
Yes. This is called postpartum preeclampsia, and it usually develops within the first few days after birth, although it can occur up to around six weeks later. It can happen even if your blood pressure was normal during pregnancy. The same warning signs apply, so seek care promptly if they appear.
Is swelling in pregnancy always a sign of preeclampsia?
No. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles, especially at the end of the day, is very common and usually harmless. Swelling becomes more concerning when it appears suddenly, affects the face or hands, or comes with headache, vision changes, or high blood pressure.
If I had preeclampsia before, will I get it again?
Your chance is higher than for someone who has never had it, but many women go on to have healthy pregnancies without it. Tell your doctor early in your next pregnancy so they can plan closer monitoring and discuss preventive options.
Does preeclampsia affect long-term health?
Women who have had preeclampsia may have a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease later in life. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and keeping track of your blood pressure after pregnancy are helpful ways to look after your long-term health.
Knowing the warning signs of preeclampsia helps you act quickly and protect both yourself and your baby. If you have any risk factors, notice unusual symptoms, or simply have questions about your blood pressure during pregnancy, please talk with your obstetrician and gynecologist. Regular antenatal care and open communication with your doctor are the best ways to keep your pregnancy as safe and healthy as possible.
This article is for general education and does not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please consult an obstetrician-gynecologist. See our Medical Disclaimer.