All you need to know about Preeclampsia

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia, previously known as toxemia, is a condition that occurs during pregnancy when you develop high blood pressure, excessive protein in your urine, and swelling in your legs, feet, and hands. The severity can vary from mild to serious. It typically develops later in pregnancy but can also appear earlier or even after childbirth.

The only way to completely resolve preeclampsia is by delivering the baby. However, symptoms may persist for up to six weeks or longer after birth.

You can reduce your risk by recognizing the warning signs and attending regular prenatal checkups. Identifying preeclampsia early can help prevent complications for both you and your baby.

What Is Postpartum Preeclampsia?

Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition that occurs after childbirth, characterized by high blood pressure and excessive protein in urine. It typically develops within 48 hours after delivery but can also occur up to six weeks later, known as late postpartum preeclampsia.

This condition requires immediate medical attention since it can lead to seizures or other serious health complications if left untreated.

Preeclampsia vs. Eclampsia

Preeclampsia can escalate into eclampsia, a severe condition that poses serious risks to both the mother and baby, and in rare cases, can be fatal. If preeclampsia leads to seizures, it has progressed to eclampsia.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Along with high blood pressure (above 140/90), excess protein in urine, and swelling (edema), other symptoms may include:

Rapid weight gain over a day or two due to fluid retention
Severe headaches
Shoulder or upper right abdominal pain
Changes in mental alertness or reflexes
Decreased urination
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Vision disturbances such as flashes, floaters, or blurriness

Some women experience preeclampsia without noticeable symptoms, making regular blood pressure checks and urine tests essential.

High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia

Uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to severe health risks for both you and your baby. You may have high blood pressure before pregnancy or develop it during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure disorder that requires close monitoring and management.

Make sure your doctor checks your blood pressure at every prenatal visit to catch any issues early.

How Quickly Can Preeclampsia Develop?

Although rare, preeclampsia can develop as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy. However, it most commonly appears after 34 weeks. In some cases, symptoms begin postpartum, usually within 48 hours of delivery.

Causes of Preeclampsia

Experts believe preeclampsia is linked to improper placental function, though the exact cause remains unknown. Insufficient blood flow to the uterus and genetic factors may contribute to the condition.

Other Pregnancy-Related Blood Pressure Disorders

Preeclampsia is one of several blood pressure disorders that can arise during pregnancy. Others include:

Gestational hypertension – High blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks but does not involve excessive protein in urine. It usually resolves after delivery.
Chronic hypertension – High blood pressure that predates pregnancy or begins before 20 weeks.
Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia – A preexisting high blood pressure condition that worsens during pregnancy and causes additional complications.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Your risk of developing preeclampsia increases if you have:

High-Risk Factors:

A history of preeclampsia
A multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more)
Chronic hypertension
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)

Moderate-Risk Factors:

First-time pregnancy
More than 10 years since your last pregnancy
BMI over 30
Family history of preeclampsia
Age 35 or older
Past pregnancy complications (e.g., low birth weight)
IVF conception
Socioeconomic factors (inequities can increase health risks)

Complications of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can restrict blood flow to the placenta, leading to fetal growth restriction. It’s also a common cause of premature birth, which can result in long-term developmental issues like learning disabilities and vision or hearing problems.

Serious complications include:

Eclampsia – Seizures or coma due to preeclampsia
Preterm birth – Increased risks of breathing, feeding, and developmental issues
Fetal growth restriction – Poor blood supply to the placenta affects the baby’s development
Stroke, seizure, or organ damage – Damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, or brain
Cardiovascular disease – Increased future heart disease risk
HELLP Syndrome – A life-threatening condition that affects the liver and blood cells
Placental abruption – Sudden detachment of the placenta, which can cause stillbirth

Is Preeclampsia an Emergency?

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires medical supervision. If it progresses to eclampsia or causes severe complications, immediate hospitalization is necessary to protect both mother and baby.

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose preeclampsia based on high blood pressure and at least one of the following:

High protein levels in urine
Low platelet count
Elevated kidney or liver-related chemicals in the blood
Fluid in the lungs
Persistent, severe headaches

Diagnostic tests may include:

Blood tests for kidney and liver function
Urine tests to check protein levels
Ultrasounds or fetal monitoring to assess the baby’s well-being

Treatment for Preeclampsia

The only cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby. Your doctor will determine the best timing for delivery based on your baby’s development and the severity of your condition.

If your pregnancy is near full term (37 weeks or later), early delivery may be recommended to prevent complications. If your baby isn’t ready for birth, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition while taking measures to manage symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

Bed rest (at home or in a hospital)
Frequent ultrasounds and fetal heart rate monitoring
Blood pressure medications
Magnesium sulfate injections to prevent seizures
Steroid injections to help the baby’s lungs develop if preterm delivery is necessary

For severe preeclampsia, emergency delivery may be required, regardless of gestational age. Symptoms typically subside within one to six weeks after delivery.

Can Preeclampsia Be Prevented?

If you’re at high risk, your doctor may recommend a daily low-dose aspirin (81 mg). Always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplement.

Other preventive measures include:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Quitting smoking
Exercising regularly
Managing pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes

Key Takeaways

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition marked by high blood pressure, protein in urine, and swelling.
It typically occurs late in pregnancy but can also develop postpartum.
If untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe complications, including eclampsia.
Regular prenatal care helps detect preeclampsia early and reduces risks.
The only definitive treatment is delivering the baby.

If you experience any symptoms of preeclampsia, seek immediate medical attention to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.