Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that affects pregnant women. It can occur as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy and typically goes away after the baby is born.[1] 

In this article, we’ll discuss preeclampsia—including symptoms, how it affects the pregnant woman and fetus, and diagnosis and treatment. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia?

One of the most common signs is persistently high blood pressure.[2] Other signs and symptoms include[3]: 

Signs of Preeclampsia

• Excess protein in the urine (indicating kidney problems)
• Increased liver enzymes (indicating liver problems)
• Decreased platelet levels in the blood 

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

• Problems with vision (such as temporary vision loss, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light)
• Severe headaches
• Shortness of breath, (may indicate fluid in the lungs)
• Pain in the upper belly (usually on the right side under the ribs)
• Nausea and vomiting after 20 weeks
• Swelling (edema), particularly in the face and/or hands
• Sudden weight gain (more than is considered normal for pregnancy)

However, it is possible to not experience any noticeable symptoms.[4]

What Causes Preeclampsia?

The exact cause is unknown, but medical experts believe it starts in the placenta, which is the organ that supplies the fetus with nutrients during pregnancy.[5]

In early pregnancy, new blood vessels are formed to supply the placenta with oxygen and nutrients. Sometimes, the blood vessels don’t develop or work properly, which affects how blood is circulated in the placenta. This can lead to preeclampsia for the mother.[6]

How Does Preeclampsia Affect the Mother and Baby?

When left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the pregnant woman and the fetus, such as:[7]

• Fetal growth restriction. Preeclampsia affects the arteries that carry blood to the placenta. If the placenta doesn’t get enough blood, the baby may not receive enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients. This can lead to fetal growth restriction (or poor growth).
• Placental abruption. In a placental abruption, the placenta becomes detached from the uterus before birth. This can cause heavy bleeding within the uterus, which can be life-threatening for the mother and baby.
• Unplanned preterm birth. Preeclampsia may lead to an unplanned preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks). Babies that are born prematurely are at higher risk of developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and breathing, feeding, vision, and hearing problems. However, being treated before birth can decrease the risk.
• Organ damage. Preeclampsia can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and eyes. It can also cause strokes and other brain injuries. 
• Progression into Eclampsia. Eclampsia is a condition that causes seizures or coma in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Eclampsia can occur without any previously observed signs or symptoms of preeclampsia.

What are the Risk Factors for Preeclampsia?

There are several factors that can put you at risk for developing preeclampsia.

Conditions associated with a moderate risk include[8]:

• Family history of preeclampsia
• Obesity
• Maternal age of 35 or older
• First pregnancy with current partner
• Complications in a previous pregnancy
• More than 10 years since previous pregnancy
• Black race (as a proxy for underlying racism)
• Lower income

Conditions associated with a higher risk include[9]:

• Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
• Being pregnant with more than one baby
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes before pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome
• Use of IVF (in vitro fertilization)

How is Preeclampsia Diagnosed and Treated?

Preeclampsia Diagnosis

Preeclampsia is often detected during routine prenatal care visits.[10] You will be officially diagnosed if you experience high blood pressure beyond 20 weeks and at least one other sign or symptom of preeclampsia (as mentioned above).[11]

Your doctor may also run a series of tests to detect other issues associated with preeclampsia[12]:

• Urine analysis. Your doctor may ask you for a urine sample to assess how well your kidneys are working.
• Blood tests. Your doctor may take a blood sample to assess how well your liver and kidneys are working and measure your blood platelet levels.
• Biophysical profile. A biophysical profile uses an ultrasound to measure the fetus’s muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus.[13]
• Nonstress test. A nonstress test measures fetal heart rate and reaction to movement. Nonstress tests are performed to ensure the fetus is receiving enough oxygen.[14]

Preeclampsia Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe your condition is and how far along you are.[15] If it is still early in your pregnancy, your doctor will want you to remain pregnant for as long as safely possible so the fetus has enough time to develop and grow. 

If your case is mild, you will likely have to attend more frequent prenatal appointments to monitor your condition. You may also have to check your blood pressure at home each day.[16]

If your case is severe, it may require a hospital stay as well as medications to lower blood pressure, prevent seizures, and promote fetal lung development before delivery.[17]

If you are at least 37 weeks along, your doctor may recommend early delivery (whether vaginally or by c-section) to prevent your condition from worsening. However, doctors may recommend delivery before 37 weeks for severe cases.[18]

When to Call the Doctor

Some symptoms of preeclampsia are also considered common pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. This can make it difficult to tell if what you are experiencing is normal or not. That’s why it’s important to attend regular prenatal care visits so your doctor can spot potential problems you may not be aware of.

That being said, you should immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following[19]: 

• Severe shortness of breath
• Belly pain
• Blurry vision
• Headaches that don’t go away after taking pain medication 
• New, sudden swelling
• New, sudden nausea and vomiting 
• High blood pressure

Preeclampsia Testing in Denver, Colorado

Don’t wait to get evaluated for preeclampsia—it could save your life. Marisol Health offers preeclampsia evaluation, so you can get the care you deserve all throughout your pregnancy.

Give us a call at (303) 731-6130 or request an appointment online to get started. 

Please be aware that this article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for medical treatment. Contact your doctor right away if you think you may be experiencing preeclampsia. 

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 28). Preeclampsia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17952-preeclampsia 
2. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 15). Preeclampsia – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355745
3. See source #2.
4. See source #2.
5. See source #2.
6. See source #2.
7. See source #2.
8. See source #2.
9. See source #2.
10. See source #2.
11. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 15). Preeclampsia – Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355751
12. See source #11.
13. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 19). Biophysical Profile. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21013-biophysical-profile 
14. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 4). Nonstress Test. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24253-nonstress-test
15. See source #14.
16. See source #11.
17. See source #11.
18. See source #11.
19. See source #2.