Preeclampsia, High Blood Pressure and Maternal Health
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:
- Get early and regular medical care.
- Check their blood pressure at home if told to. Pregnancy and high blood pressure
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. Healthy eating tips
- Get regular physical activity. Exercising during pregnancy
Maternal Health Resources:
-
AHA health initiative: Go Red for Women: Pregnancy and Maternal Health
Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health.
Helpful Links:
- American Heart Association Guideline news release: New high blood pressure guideline emphasizes prevention, early treatment to reduce CVD risk (Aug. 2025)
- Statements & Guidelines | Statistics
- Embargo and Recording Policies
- Images | General B-roll and Animations
- Association Newsroom | @HeartNews
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
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