Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia: What Every Parent Should Know [2025 Updated]

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can affect pregnant people, usually after 20 weeks. It often causes high blood pressure and affects organs like the liver and kidneys. Spotting signs and symptoms of preeclampsia early gives parents and doctors the best chance to prevent lasting health problems for both parent and baby. This article explains the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, what to watch for, why early action matters, and how understanding the signs can help protect growing families from preeclampsia.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a health concern tied to pregnancy that can catch many parents off guard. It usually starts after the 20th week, but sometimes shows up after a baby is born. Many hear about blood pressure during pregnancy, but preeclampsia is about much more than just numbers on a cuff. It’s a condition that can affect both parent and baby, so knowing the basics helps you feel more prepared if it comes up.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can empower parents to seek medical attention promptly.

The Medical Definition

Doctors recognize preeclampsia as a complication of pregnancy defined by high blood pressure. It’s not just the occasional spike — blood pressure remains above normal over time. What sets preeclampsia apart from regular high blood pressure in pregnancy is the presence of protein in the urine. This signals the kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. Some people may also have problems with their liver or low levels of platelets (the cells that help blood clot).

Many parents may not realize that the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can vary widely among individuals.

Preeclampsia affects nearly 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States, making it a concern worth paying attention to. It can show up quietly, and not everyone feels “off” at first, so regular checkups are critical.

If you want a detailed breakdown of symptoms and risk factors, the Mayo Clinic’s guide to preeclampsia covers them in plain language.

Who Is at Risk?

While preeclampsia can happen in any pregnancy, some people are more likely to get it. Doctors pay close attention to:

• First-time pregnancies
• Pregnancies with twins or more
• People with a personal or family history of preeclampsia
• Anyone with preexisting conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure

Age plays a part too. Those under 18 or over 35 are watched more closely by their care teams. For some, preeclampsia ties back to health history, making open conversations with doctors key.

What Happens in the Body

Preeclampsia starts when blood vessels in the placenta (the organ that feeds your baby) don’t develop as they should. This causes less blood flow, which affects the developing baby and can stress the parent’s organs. Symptoms can range from slight swelling to more severe problems with vision, headaches, and pain.

Doctors are still working to understand why preeclampsia develops, but keeping track of blood pressure, urine tests, and regular visits can help catch the condition early. Preeclampsia Foundation explains how changes in the body trigger the classic warning signs.

Why Early Attention Matters

If left unchecked, preeclampsia can lead to seizures (called eclampsia), organ damage, or slower growth for the baby. Early attention can prevent these serious issues. The sooner it’s detected, the more treatment options parents and providers have to keep everyone safe.

For more information about how preeclampsia can affect both parent and baby, the NHS overview is a handy resource.

By understanding what preeclampsia is and who is at risk, parents and loved ones are better prepared to act quickly if any warning signs appear. This knowledge forms a strong first step in protecting families during pregnancy.

Common Signs of Preeclampsia

It is essential for everyone to recognize the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia to promote health and safety.

Spotting preeclampsia early can protect your health and your baby’s. The warning signs stem from changes in blood pressure, how your body holds onto fluid, and how your kidneys work. Knowing what to look out for helps you take fast action if things change.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

High blood pressure is the clearest red flag for preeclampsia. While mild increases can be common as pregnancy progresses, preeclampsia shows up as a sustained rise after 20 weeks. Doctors get concerned when blood pressure readings reach 140/90 or higher on two separate checks at least four hours apart.

Unlike regular high blood pressure, these numbers often pop up for the first time during pregnancy. You may feel fine, but your blood vessels and organs could be under stress. Because preeclampsia can appear quickly, regular blood pressure checks at prenatal visits matter a lot. Severe cases may cause headaches or problems with vision—even if you haven’t noticed any other changes.

Ignoring high blood pressure puts you at risk for serious trouble. To get a better idea of how it might show up and why acting fast helps, review the Common Physical Signs of High Blood Pressure.

Unusual Swelling (Edema)

Swelling isn’t rare during pregnancy, especially near the end. With preeclampsia, the swelling shows up in ways and places that stand out:

• Your face looks puffier, especially around the eyes and cheeks.
• Your hands swell, and rings may feel tight.
• You gain weight quickly, sometimes several pounds in a few days.
• Your feet and ankles balloon, not just after you’ve been standing, but even first thing in the morning.

The difference here is the suddenness and the pattern. Normal pregnancy swelling builds slowly and stays mostly in the feet and ankles. When hands or the face swell fast, or you notice your shoes and rings don’t fit overnight, call your provider.

Some health issues, like hernias, also involve swelling, though the causes differ. If you’re looking for more on swelling signals to never brush off, read about hernia symptoms to watch for.

Protein in the Urine

Preeclampsia messes with your kidneys’ ability to filter waste. One result: protein leaks into the urine, which healthy kidneys keep out. This is why you pee in a cup at nearly every doctor visit in pregnancy.

A simple dipstick test checks for protein in the urine. If the result is positive, your care team may run more lab tests to confirm how much is present over 24 hours. Finding protein in your urine (called proteinuria) means your kidneys are stressed—one of the main ways preeclampsia is diagnosed.

You won’t usually feel anything different if you have protein in your urine. That’s why urine testing matters so much during pregnancy—it can spot a problem you’d never notice otherwise. For more on how urine changes can point to hidden health issues, see how unexplained weight loss and diabetes sometimes goes hand in hand with abnormal findings in urine.

Knowing these key warning signs helps you and your doctor act quickly if preeclampsia develops. Regular checkups, honest conversations, and tracking your symptoms can make all the difference.

Other Key Symptoms to Watch For

Beyond swelling, high blood pressure, and protein in the urine, there are other warning signs during pregnancy that deserve careful attention. These symptoms can mean changes happening inside the body that point to preeclampsia or other health risks. Paying attention to what your body tells you can help keep both you and your baby safer.

Severe Headaches and Vision Changes

Severe headaches in pregnancy are not just annoying. When pain feels different from a typical headache and won’t go away with rest or usual pain relievers, it’s a reason to call your doctor. Preeclampsia can cause blood pressure in the brain to spike, which may lead to these headaches.

Vision changes add another layer of worry. Blurry sight, flashes of light, or even temporary loss of vision can’t be brushed off. These changes happen because preeclampsia affects blood flow to the brain and eyes. Left unchecked, these symptoms could lead to bigger problems. If you want more insight into how headaches fit into the warning signs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains why headaches and vision problems should trigger a call to your provider.

A sudden, severe headache or any trouble with vision is enough reason to stop what you’re doing and get checked out. This isn’t about “toughing it out”—it’s about protecting yourself and your baby.

Upper Abdominal Pain

Pregnancy comes with aches and pains, but pain from preeclampsia is different. The pain often centers under the ribs on the right side, where the liver sits. Many describe it as a sharp, stabbing, or constant aching pain that doesn’t go away or feels worse when you take a deep breath.

This pain signals the liver is under stress. It isn’t the normal stretching or mild cramping that comes as your belly grows. Don’t assume it’s just indigestion or muscle strain—get checked. If you’re unsure how to spot the difference between typical aches and something more serious, you may find it helpful to review how pain from gallbladder trouble or liver problems relates to preeclampsia.

The signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headaches and vision changes.

Nobody expects pain to show up in unexpected places, but awareness can make a big difference in getting care quickly.

Shortness of Breath and Sudden Weight Gain

Breathing feels a little harder during pregnancy, but with preeclampsia, it can be much more noticeable. You might struggle to catch your breath, even when sitting still or doing light activities. This happens because preeclampsia can cause extra fluid to build up in the lungs, making breathing hard.

Sudden weight gain over just a few days also means your body is holding on to fluid. It’s not just normal pregnancy growth or a bigger appetite. Gaining more than two pounds in a week without any real changes in diet or activity can be a warning sign. The March of Dimes details how fluid retention shows up as both swelling and fast weight gain.

Always bring up fast weight gain or feeling out of breath with your provider. It may be one of the most important clues to catch preeclampsia before it causes bigger problems. Pay attention to what feels off—it’s about getting help sooner, not later.

Complications If Symptoms Are Missed

Missing the signs of preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening situations for both pregnant people and their babies. When early warnings go unnoticed, the condition can progress quickly. Simple symptoms like swelling or headaches may seem minor, but missing them allows preeclampsia to ramp up unchecked. Here’s what can happen if signs are ignored or not caught in time.

Photo by Viktors Duks

Worsening of Maternal Health

As preeclampsia worsens, a parent’s organs can be pushed past their limit. The kidneys and liver are especially at risk. In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to:

• Kidney failure, making it hard for the body to clear waste.
• Liver damage or rupture, sometimes causing sudden pain or even internal bleeding.
• Blood clotting problems that may trigger heavy bleeding during or after birth.

When care is delayed, seizures (called eclampsia) can happen. This can cause permanent brain injury or death. In some cases, undiagnosed preeclampsia can lead to a crisis called HELLP syndrome, a severe form that puts the parent’s life in immediate danger. Real experiences, like those shared by families on the Preeclampsia Foundation site, remind us why attention is so important.

Public awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can help reduce risks.

Impact on the Baby

Missing the early signs puts babies at risk too. When preeclampsia goes unchecked, the placenta may not get enough blood. That cuts down on the food and oxygen your baby needs. Some possible problems include:

• Low birth weight from poor growth.
• Early (premature) birth, which can trigger breathing and health problems.
• Stillbirth if preeclampsia suddenly worsens or triggers the placenta to pull away from the uterus (placental abruption).

Being informed about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to safer outcomes for both parent and baby.

Babies born early because of preeclampsia might face a tough start. They often need time in the NICU and close monitoring for ongoing health issues. To get an idea of how other health risks can impact newborns, you might check resources like the NHS pre-eclampsia guide.

Increased Risk of Emergency Delivery

If preeclampsia isn’t caught, doctors may need to deliver the baby immediately to save both lives. Emergency cesarean sections are common in these cases. This means a higher risk of:

• Surgical complications for the parent.
• Longer recovery after birth.
• Trouble with breastfeeding and bonding.

Severe bleeding and anesthesia risks are also higher after an urgent delivery. Noticing symptoms soon helps more families avoid this stress.

Lasting Health Effects

Both parent and baby may face health challenges long after delivery. Parents who had severe preeclampsia are more likely to develop high blood pressure or kidney issues in the future. Babies born early must watch for learning delays or health problems as they grow.

Quick action after spotting symptoms can help prevent these lasting effects. People who’ve been through it often say that listening to your body and speaking up during pregnancy care visits matters the most. For personal stories and legal advice about what happens when preeclampsia goes undiagnosed, you might find this page on misdiagnosis of preeclampsia helpful.

It’s always better to raise your concerns. Regular care and trusting your instincts helps everyone catch problems before they turn into life-altering complications.

Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to quicker responses in emergencies.

How Preeclampsia Is Diagnosed and Managed

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to healthier pregnancies.

Spotting preeclampsia early helps protect both the parent and baby. Diagnosis isn’t based on one symptom alone; it takes a careful review by healthcare professionals. Management can differ for each person, but the main priority is always safety and reducing risk for everyone involved.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

The signs and symptoms of preeclampsia should always be treated with serious concern.

How Doctors Diagnose Preeclampsia

Doctors look for a mix of symptoms and test results. No single sign can confirm preeclampsia. Here’s what they check for during prenatal visits:

Understanding the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia is essential for every expectant parent.

The signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can be life-saving knowledge for expectant parents.

• Blood pressure readings: Repeated measures showing numbers of 140/90 or higher after the 20th week of pregnancy. Blood pressure is always reviewed during checkups.
• Urine tests: Protein found in urine (proteinuria) is a key clue. Staff may use a dipstick test or a 24-hour urine collection.
• Blood tests: These help check for liver function, kidney health, and platelet levels. Abnormal results can back up concerns from symptoms.
• Physical symptoms: Doctors pay attention to swelling that is unusual, headaches, vision changes, right upper belly pain, and quick weight gain from fluid buildup.

If you want to see detailed information on the official steps used to diagnose preeclampsia, the NHS outlines how blood pressure checks and urine tests are used at every appointment.

Ongoing Monitoring and Testing

Once there’s suspicion of preeclampsia, repeat monitoring is essential to track changes. Doctors may ask for:

• More frequent office visits
• Extra blood and urine tests
• Ultrasound checks to watch the baby’s growth
• Blood pressure readings at home

It is crucial to be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

This close watch can catch any sudden changes, which protects both the pregnant person and the baby from sudden problems.

Management: Keeping Parent and Baby Safe

The approach to managing preeclampsia depends on how severe the symptoms are and how far along the pregnancy is. The main goals are to control blood pressure and prevent complications.

Treatment options can include:

• Rest: Sometimes bed rest or lighter activity is advised.
• Blood pressure medication: These help keep readings in a safer range.
• Frequent monitoring: Office visits, non-stress tests, and ultrasounds help ensure the baby is growing well and the parent’s health remains stable.
• Hospital care: For moderate or severe preeclampsia, care in the hospital may be needed to keep problems from getting worse.
• Timing of delivery: If preeclampsia is severe or not improving, doctors may recommend early delivery for safety.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can enhance your preparedness during pregnancy.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia early is crucial for minimizing risks.

In some cases, delivery is the only cure. Providers weigh the risks and benefits, especially if the pregnancy isn’t full-term yet.

More detail on best practice treatment plans are broken down clearly in this guide from Mayo Clinic’s preeclampsia diagnosis and treatment page.

What to Expect After Diagnosis

Getting this diagnosis can be stressful. Most people with preeclampsia need extra attention through pregnancy and right after birth. Some may feel fine, while others may notice more clear symptoms as time passes. Support, close observation, and regular communication with healthcare teams are critical.

Families can stay informed and keep track of symptoms between visits. If there is ever sudden swelling, headaches, vision changes, or abdominal pain, it’s smart to call the doctor right away.

Providers will guide you on when to go to the hospital or when early delivery may be safest. Detailed management steps are also reviewed in the summary from the American Family Physician’s overview on preeclampsia management.

Catching preeclampsia early and keeping up with the recommended plan improves the outlook for both parent and baby.

When to Call a Doctor: Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Spotting symptoms of preeclampsia early can save lives. It is not always clear when small aches, swelling, or headaches change from something routine into something much more serious. That’s why knowing which warning signs need fast medical attention matters. If you have any doubts, it is always smart to make the call—your care team would rather hear from you too soon than too late.

Photo by Anna Tarazevich

Top Symptoms That Need Immediate Action

You may feel like you are being cautious by calling the doctor for small things. With preeclampsia, quick action is better than regret. Call your healthcare provider or seek help right away if you notice:

• Sudden, severe headaches that do not go away
• Blurred vision, seeing spots, sensitivity to light, or loss of vision
• Severe pain just below the ribs, especially on your right side
• Rapid swelling in your face, hands, or feet, especially if it appears suddenly
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or trouble taking deep breaths
• Sudden weight gain (like several pounds in a week, not tied to diet)
• Nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy

If you cannot reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. These symptoms can move quickly and put both you and your baby at risk for life-threatening problems. You are not overreacting—preeclampsia can worsen in hours, so care teams want you to contact them even for what seems small. For more on which signs should never be ignored, check out these care instructions from MyHealth Alberta.

Subtle or Early Changes That Mean You Should Call

Not all symptoms shout for attention. Some are quieter but still matter. Call your provider if you experience:

• A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher, even if you feel okay
• New or unusual swelling in your face or hands
• Mild but persistent headaches
• Changes in how much you urinate, especially if you notice much less than usual
• Visual disturbances or flashing lights, even if mild
• General feeling of being unwell or “off” after 20 weeks of pregnancy

Your instincts are important. If anything feels really wrong with your body, do not wait and hope it passes. The Cleveland Clinic explains in detail what to look for in daily life as signs can sometimes sneak up.

Why Fast Communication Makes a Difference

Many parents hesitate to call because they are afraid of bothering their doctor, or they believe their symptoms are just part of typical pregnancy. But waiting can let preeclampsia spiral out of control. Building trust with your care team and keeping an open line can stop emergencies before they start. If you want a breakdown of how your symptoms compare to other causes of sudden swelling or blood pressure jumps, you can skim through common physical signs of high blood pressure for added context.

What to Expect Once You Call

Your healthcare team will ask detailed questions. They may tell you to monitor symptoms at home or ask you to come in for an in-person check. Keep these tips in mind when tracking your symptoms and communicating:

• Write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they’re changing.
• Track your blood pressure if you have a monitor at home.
• Take a support person with you for emergency visits if you can.

Some symptoms may not be related to preeclampsia, but every one deserves attention. Quick calls and office visits may bring peace of mind or help prevent a hospital stay. If you spot any warning sign or just feel overwhelmed, contact your provider. For added guidance, the NHS offers a handy list on when to call or go in.

Remember: when dealing with preeclampsia symptoms, don’t wait. Fast action means better outcomes for both you and your baby.

Early action can save lives when it comes to the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. Quick notice of swelling, high blood pressure, or stomach pain gives doctors time to protect both parent and baby. Trust your instincts. If you see any signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, make the call to your care team right away. Sharing what you learn also helps friends and loved ones stay alert. Staying informed is one of the best ways to support a safe pregnancy for every family. Thank you for reading, and pass this knowledge on. If you want to read about other signs worth paying attention to, you might find value in common physical signs of high blood pressure and signs of a hernia you should never ignore. Your awareness of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can make a difference.

Early action can save lives when it comes to preeclampsia. Quick notice of swelling, high blood pressure, or stomach pain gives doctors time to protect both parent and baby. Trust your instincts. If you see any signs, make the call to your care team right away. Sharing what you learn also helps friends and loved ones stay alert. Staying informed is one of the best ways to support a safe pregnancy for every family. Thank you for reading, and pass this knowledge on. If you want to read about other signs worth paying attention to, you might find value in common physical signs of high blood pressure and signs of a hernia you should never ignore. Your awareness can make a difference.

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to timely interventions.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia to ensure the safety of both parent and baby.

Identifying the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can save lives.

Taking proactive measures regarding the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can improve outcomes.

Discussing the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia with healthcare providers can lead to proactive health measures.

Tracking the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to better healthcare outcomes.

Promptly addressing the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia helps ensure a healthier pregnancy.

Being knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can enhance patient advocacy.

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia to ensure timely medical intervention.

The signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can be subtle but should never be ignored.

Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can save lives.

Education on the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia is vital for pregnant individuals and their families.

Timely recognition of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia is essential in protecting maternal and fetal health.