Summary 

Preeclampsia is new-onset high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy. It usually starts after the 20th week of pregnancy. You may have preeclampsia if you have a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two recordings at least four hours apart. Other signs of preeclampsia include high levels of protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage. Key details listed below.

Preeclampsia signs or symptoms?

Some women don’t notice any symptoms. When they do happen, symptoms may include:

  • Headaches with unknown cause that don’t go away with medication
  • Vision changes
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid swelling (edema), especially of the feet

If you have these severe symptoms below, call your health care professional right away: 

  • Very high blood pressure (160/110 or higher)
  • Severe headaches
  • Organ dysfunction
  • Fluid in the lungs

Preeclampsia risk factors:

  • Being pregnant for the first time
  • Having preeclampsia in a past pregnancy
  • Chronic high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or both
  • Blood clotting problems
  • Being pregnant with more than one baby at a time
  • Getting pregnant through in-vitro fertilization
  • Family history of preeclampsia
  • Being obese
  • Having diabetes
  • Being younger than 18 or older than 35 

Reducing your risk: The mother and baby are monitored at their regular prenatal visits.

For a healthy pregnancy, women should:

Maternal Health Resources: ​

Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health. 

Helpful Links:

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