Symptoms of preeclampsia can include high blood pressure, headaches, protein in urine, or nausea. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that needs careful monitoring during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is a condition that usually develops in the second trimester of pregnancy, or after the 20th week. In certain cases, some people may develop it shortly after giving birth.

It’s not clear exactly how many people experience preeclampsia, but experts estimate that the condition occurs in 3.4% of pregnancies in the United States.

Symptoms typically start in the second half of pregnancy. Usually, the sooner the symptoms start, the more severe the condition can be.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of preeclampsia.

Symptoms of preeclampsia usually develop in the second half of pregnancy and can include:

You might not experience any symptoms at first, or they may be mild. High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms, so you might not know you have it, but a healthcare professional might notice it during your prenatal appointments.

High blood pressure alone is not necessarily a sign of preeclampsia, but if high blood pressure occurs along with other symptoms, it might be. Always reach out to your doctor or midwife for more in-depth checks if you have high blood pressure or experience any other symptoms that seem concerning.

Complications

Preeclampsia can lead to complications for both you and your baby, including:

  • Restricted fetal growth: Limited blood flow to the placenta can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your baby. This may mean that your baby can’t grow and develop as they otherwise would.
  • Preterm birth: A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or 9 months from the last menstrual period. If you develop preeclampsia, your baby might need to be delivered early. This could happen before 37 weeks and can increase some risks for your baby, such as the risk of certain breathing and developmental difficulties.
  • Placental abruption: This is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before your baby is delivered. It can cause heavy bleeding and can be life threatening.
  • Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome: HELLP syndrome involves damage to multiple organs and is life threatening for both you and your baby. It can cause typical preeclampsia symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, and vomiting but can also develop suddenly without any of those.
  • Eclampsia: Eclampsia may cause seizures, stroke, and coma and may even lead to death.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Experiencing preeclampsia can increase your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease later in life.

If you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team.

The cause of preeclampsia is not known, but experts believe it might be due to issues with the placenta, the organ that links your baby’s blood supply to yours.

Scientists are currently investigating the following factors to find out what might cause preeclampsia:

  • placental abnormalities, such as insufficient blood flow
  • genetic factors
  • environmental exposures
  • nutritional factors
  • immunology and autoimmune disorders
  • cardiovascular and inflammatory changes
  • hormonal imbalances

Anyone can develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, but some factors can increase the risk. You may be more likely to experience preeclampsia if you:

  • have never given birth before
  • are carrying more than one child
  • had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
  • have chronic hypertension
  • had diabetes before pregnancy or developed it during pregnancy
  • have thrombophilia
  • had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 before pregnancy
  • are 35 years old or older
  • used assisted reproductive technology
  • have obstructive sleep apnea

Having certain conditions before pregnancy could also increase your risk of preeclampsia, including:

In the United States, Black and Hispanic people have a higher incidence of preeclampsia.

Experts have also noted a lower incidence of preeclampsia among Asian Americans and people in China and New Zealand than among Native Americans, Black Americans, and Europeans.

If you’re at risk of preeclampsia, a healthcare professional might recommend that you take a low dose of 81 milligrams of aspirin every day between the 12th and 28th week of your pregnancy and up until delivery.

While preeclampsia is not always preventable, maintaining the following habits during your pregnancy can help you stay healthy:

Talk with your doctor for more in-depth advice related to your specific needs.

Preeclampsia is a severe condition, and a prompt diagnosis can ensure that you receive the right treatment at the appropriate time. The sooner you find out, the better it can be managed. If you experience high blood pressure, headaches, or blurred vision, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

Preeclampsia can lead to complications such as HELLP syndrome, which is a medical emergency and needs immediate medical intervention.

Preeclampsia is a condition that can affect any pregnant person, although certain risk factors can increase your risk of developing it. You may start noticing symptoms during the second half of your pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia typically include high blood pressure, headaches, blurred vision, and pain under your ribs. You may not experience any symptoms, but a healthcare professional can identify the condition by checking for protein in your urine. They can then recommend more testing if necessary.

Preeclampsia can become a medical emergency. To help make sure that you stay as healthy as possible, it’s important to have regular visits with a healthcare professional throughout your pregnancy and until delivery.