Preeclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management.
Updated! February 2026
Disclaimer!
This content is published for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical diagnoses, recommendations or clinical care. Pregnant women experiencing any symptoms and/or concerns are advised to seek the advice of their doctor for further evaluation and management of appropriate care.
Author Information:
Dr. Humaira Latif, MBBS | Gynaecology & Obstetrician Specialist and 14 Years Clinical and Practical Experience. The research conducted for this publication was through a respected women's health and obstetrics institution; therefore, the information contained within was derived from an evidence-based research.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia:
A complication of pregnancy that affects multiple systems, is characterized by: .
- Blood pressure of ≥140/90mm Hg
- Evidence of protein in a woman's urine; and
- Evidence of the woman’s organs becoming dysfunctional.
According to World Health Organization, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur in ~5-8% of pregnancies globally and represent a significant factor contributing to the overall maternal health challenge faced around the world.
The Cause of Preeclampsia:
Current research supports the claim that the main cause of preeclampsia is due to improper (non-typical) development of the placenta during early pregnancy.
The following pathophysiological changes can occur in an affected woman:
- Inadequate remodeling of the blood vessels that supply the placenta;
- Decreased blood flow to the placenta; ·
- Dysfunction of the endothelium; and ·
- Systemic inflammation.
Each of these elements can contribute to blood vessel constriction and/or elevate a woman’s blood pressure.
Risk Factors:
Certain pre-existing and/or pregnancy-related factors can place a woman at an increased risk for developing preeclampsia.
Maternal Factors:
- First-time pregnancy; ·
- Age < 18 years and/or ≥ 35; ·
- Obesity (i.e. Body Mass Index ≥30); and
- A family history of hypertensive disorders.
Medical Conditions:
- Chronic hypertension; ·
- Diabetes Mellitus; ·
- Autoimmune disorders; and ·
- Renal (i.e. kidney) disease.
Obstetric Factors:
- Twin/multiples pregnancy;
- History of preeclampsia; and ·
- If a woman registers prenatally earlier, she is likely to receive early detection or appropriate follow up.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia:
- Persistent headaches
- Visual changes/abnormalities
- Discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Swelling of the face, hands, or both
- Blood pressure elevation
- Decreased amount of urine output
Diagnostic Method:
For diagnosis you need to assess clinically and investigate. The assessment entails:
1. Checking blood pressure multiple times.
2. Assessing urine protein levels.
3. Performing laboratory tests on blood (checking liver enzymes, measuring platelet counts and checking kidney function).
4. Monitoring the growth of the fetus using ultrasound.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provide a standardized assessment to get an accurate diagnosis.
Management Overview!
Management will depend on both how far along you are in gestation as well as how sick you are.
1. Conservative Management
Involves:
1) Regular blood pressure checks,
2) Urine tests,
3) Fetal surveillance,
4) Resting and eating a good diet.
2. Medical Management
Involves:
1) The use of medications (antihypertensives),
2) Use of magnesium sulfate (to prevent seizures in women who are very ill),
3) Possible use of corticosteroids to help develop the lungs of the fetus if there is a risk of delivering before 37 weeks.
3. Usually the only way to obtain a cure is to deliver both the baby and the placenta.
All clinical decisions must be individualized.
Complications:
Possible Complications of Lack of Monitoring
Eclampsia (seizure activity) can occur if the mother does not have regular monitoring of her blood pressures. The below list outlines other complications that may result from lack of monitoring:
1. HELLP syndrome
2. Placenta abruption
3. Preterm labor
4. Growth-restricted baby
5. To improve outcomes significantly, early intervention with therapy is critical.
Prevention:
Preventing/Potentially Reducing the Risk of Eclampsia
Although you cannot always completely prevent preeclampsia, there are several ways women at high risk may potentially reduce their chances:
1. Early antenatal booking appointment.
2. Low-dose aspirin for women at high risk for developing preeclampsia (as prescribed by your physician).
3. Controlling blood pressure numbers.
4. Maintaining proper weight.
5. Adequate calcium intake.
6. The recommendations above are based on research and were drafted by experts at Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
If you are pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
1. Persistent headache.
2. Blurry vision.
3. Severe abdominal pain.
4. Decreased fetal movement.
5. High blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can preeclampsia occur without protein in urine?
Yes, organ damage can occur without significant proteinuria.
2. How does preeclampsia affect pregnancy in the future?
Women with a history of pregnancy-related complications may be at a higher risk for recurrence.
3. Will preeclampsia ever go away?
The ONLY way to "cure" preeclampsia is through delivery, however, selected cases may be monitored and can deliver coordination of delivery until delivery time.
Related Articles:
For further maternal health guidance, explore:
- Guide to Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- Gestational Diabetes Diet Plan.
- Cervical Cerclage in Pregnancy
- Early Pregnancy Loss Support Guide
References Based on Evidence:
- World Health Organization - Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (2024).
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Practice Bulletin No 222-Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia (2023).
- Mayo Clinic - Preeclampsia Overview (2024).
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Preeclampsia Clinical Guidelines (2024).
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