How to Recognize Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication consisting of high blood pressure and protein in the urine that starts after the 20th week. Preeclampsia may also be diagnosed if you have a new onset of high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy without protein in the urine, but with end-organ dysfunction or if you had previously gotten your high blood pressure under control. You can recognize preeclampsia by watching for symptoms and knowing your risk factors, but you may not have noticeable symptoms. If you think you have preeclampsia, see your doctor immediately, especially if you have shortness of breath or vision problems. Left untreated, preeclampsia is very dangerous to your health.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Watching for Symptoms

1
Consider if you’re having headaches on a regular basis. Occasional headaches are typically no cause for alarm, but frequent headaches could be a symptom of preeclampsia. Your headache may be a dull pain, or you may feel constant, throbbing pain. Your headaches will likely occur often and may become severe. Additionally, your headaches may not go away after you take an over-the-counter pain reliever.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about headaches.
- Headaches are more concerning if you’re also having other symptoms.
2
Notice nausea and vomiting late in your pregnancy. Although feeling queasy or having “morning sickness” is normal early in your pregnancy, it’s less common during the later months. If you stopped having nausea and vomiting but start again, then it could be a sign of preeclampsia.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Some people have “morning sickness” throughout their entire pregnancy, so this may be normal for you. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.
3
Consider if you’re feeling abdominal pain, especially on your right side. It’s normal to have some abdominal pain during pregnancy, as you’ll likely experience gas, heartburn, and indigestion. However, preeclampsia can cause a persistent pain under your ribs, most often on your right side. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, it’s best to see your doctor.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Don’t panic just because you’re experiencing abdominal pain. It could just be gas, but it’s best to make sure.
4
Watch for unexplained swelling, especially in your face and hands. It’s common for preeclampsia to cause your hands, face, legs, and feet to swell. However, this is also a very typical part of pregnancy, so it’s really hard to determine if your swelling is caused by preeclampsia. If you notice swelling, it’s best to see a doctor to make sure it’s just normal weight gain during pregnancy.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Swelling is more of a concern if it comes on very suddenly, like if you wake up very swollen.
5
Notice if you gain a lot of extra weight all of a sudden. It’s normal and healthy to gain weight while you’re pregnant, as you’re feeding a growing baby. However, healthy weight gain is usually no more than 1-2 pounds per week. If you suddenly gain more than 2 pounds within a week or less, contact your doctor to get a checkup.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Ask your doctor how much you should be gaining each week. Every pregnancy is different, so it’s possible that you will need to gain more.
- Don’t worry that you’re gaining too much weight unless your doctor asks you to make changes. If you have any concerns, check with your doctor.
6
Watch for lower back pain and low urine production. These are signs that your liver may be impaired, which is a symptom of preeclampsia. Since lower back pain can be a normal part of pregnancy, it may be no cause for concern. However, it’s best to get checked by a doctor if you’re also not producing a lot of urine.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Since it’s normal to urinate a lot when you’re pregnant, it may be easier to notice if you suddenly don’t need to go very often.
7
Recognize if you feel anxious or panicky. You might notice that you feel shaky or as though your heart is racing. This might make you feel anxious or panicked, as though something is wrong. Although these symptoms can just be a normal reaction to the way your life is changing, it’s best to get them evaluated by a doctor.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you have a sense that something is wrong, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor.
Tip: Listen to your intuition if you feel like something is wrong. It's possible to have preeclampsia without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. However, you may still have high blood pressure and high protein levels in your urine, which your doctor can diagnose.
8
Contact your doctor immediately if you have changes in vision. Because it causes high blood pressure, preeclampsia may cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or even temporary vision loss. Although these symptoms can be scary, getting prompt treatment will help. Call your doctor for a same day appointment or visit an urgent care clinic.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Ask someone to drive you to the doctor’s office or clinic. Don’t drive yourself if you’re having vision problems.
In some cases, preeclampsia can cause shortness of breath, as fluid may collect in your lungs. However, this is a serious symptom, no matter what’s causing it. If you’re having trouble breathing, get help immediately.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Knowing Your Risk Factors

1
Recognize that women under 20 and over 40 have a higher risk. Anyone can get preeclampsia, and there’s no known cause for it. However, it’s more likely to happen if you’re under the age of 20 or over the age of 40.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Being in these age groups does not mean you’ll develop preeclampsia. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
2
Check your personal and family history for certain medical issues. Having a family or personal medical history of preeclampsia or high blood pressure is a risk factor for this condition. Your personal medical history is especially important. If you’ve ever had an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, lupus, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), your risk of having preeclampsia is higher.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Talk to your doctor about your medical history.
Warning: If you have gestational diabetes, you’re at a higher risk for developing preeclampsia, as well. Be sure to attend all of your doctor’s visits so they can monitor your health.
3
Talk to your doctor if you may be obese. Carrying a lot of extra weight on your body increases your risk of developing preeclampsia. Discuss your weight with your doctor to find out if you may be at risk. Additionally, they may offer advice tailored to your needs.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- If you’re worried about your weight, don’t try to diet right now. Your baby needs nutrients to grow. Instead, ask your doctor how much you should be gaining every week, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Preeclampsia is more common in first-time mothers. It’s not clear why this happens. However, you can avoid issues by seeing your doctor often.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
Tip: If you’re having a baby with a new partner, you’re at a higher risk for preeclampsia, even if you’ve had other babies prior to this pregnancy.
5
Watch multiple pregnancies carefully. Being pregnant with multiple babies is another big risk factor for developing preeclampsia. Fortunately, your doctor will carefully monitor your health so they can treat it early, if you have it.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsProfessional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiativesGo to source}
- For instance, you're at a higher risk of preeclampsia if you're pregnant with twins, triplets, or higher multiples.
6
Consider if you used in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. Getting pregnant through IVF increases your risk of preeclampsia.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source} Any time there is an egg or sperm donor, you’re at a higher risk.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
- This is true for both single babies and multiples.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Treatment

1
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of preeclampsia. Since preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires treatment, you need to see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Call your doctor for a same day appointment or go to an urgent care center.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- If you can’t get in to see your doctor and there are no urgent care centers in your area, go to the emergency room. You really need to get checked out immediately to make sure you and your baby are okay. However, try not to worry, as you’ll likely be okay.
Tip: Taking a low-dose aspirin during pregnancy may provide a modest risk-reduction in women who are at risk of developing preeclampsia, but never start aspirin therapy without asking your doctor first.^{[18]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Attend regular prenatal visits so your doctor can check your vitals. You may not notice any symptoms of preeclampsia, even if you have it. However, your doctor will catch the symptoms during your prenatal visits, which ensures you get proper treatment. Don’t miss your recommended appointments.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure to make sure it’s not high, which is a symptom of preeclampsia.
3
Let your doctor do diagnostic tests to make a diagnosis. Fortunately, the tests your doctor will do are painless, though you may experience some minor discomfort. Your doctor will likely do the following simple tests in their office:^{[20]XResearch source}
- A complete blood count (CBC) to check your liver function, kidney function, and platelet levels.
- A 24-hour urine protein or protein:creatinine ratio. You will likely need to collect all of your urine for 24 hours to do this test. Keep your urine in a sealed container in your refrigerator until you deliver it to the doctor.
- An ultrasound to check on your baby.
- A nonstress test or biophysical test to check your baby’s heart rate and development.
4
Follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing your preeclampsia. The only way to id of preeclampsia is to give birth, which might not be an option for a while depending on when you developed preeclampsia. However, your doctor can prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure and to prevent seizures.^{[21]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communitiesGo to source}
- Take the medications exactly as directed and tell your doctor right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.
- In some cases, hospitalization may be required to keep you and your baby healthy until you give birth.
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Tips

Rarely, preeclampsia can develop up to 6 weeks after you give birth, so contact your doctor if you experience symptoms even after the delivery.^{[22]XResearch source}
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It’s always best for pregnant people to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in protein and vitamins. Additionally, take a multivitamin daily. These habits won’t necessarily prevent preeclampsia, but they will help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
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Get regular prenatal care. In addition to helping you have the healthiest pregnancy possible, it will help your doctor diagnose preeclampsia, even if you’re not showing symptoms.
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Warnings

Preeclampsia is an extremely serious condition, so don’t try to deal with it on your own. If you think you may have preeclampsia, visit your doctor immediately.
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