Preeclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management.
Preeclampsia occurs only during pregnancy and is a potentially deadly condition that can impact both yourself and your unborn baby if not caught early. High blood pressure (hypertension) and organ failure are the defining aspects of preeclampsia, while the signs and symptoms typically begin to present within 20 weeks into your pregnancy.
Updated! April 2026
Disclaimer!
The data presented within this article are meant only as an educational source of information. Nothing in this article should be considered or implied as medically accurate advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a physician or qualified health care provider prior to making decisions concerning your medical concerns related to pregnancy
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.
Table Of Content!
- What is Preeclampsia?
- Main Causes of Preeclampsia
- Symptoms of Preeclampsia
- When does Preeclampsia Occur.
- Preeclampsia Types
- Complications Of Preeclampsia in Mother and Baby
- Diagnosing Preeclampsia
- Safe Management of Preeclampsia
- Preventing Preeclampsia
- Contacting Emergency Services
- Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Serious Condition After Childbirth
- Why postpartum preeclampsia is dangerous.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- Related Articles.
- References.
- Free Pregnancy Blood Pressure monitering Danger Signs Checklist (Doctor-Approved Guide).
1. What is Preeclampsia?
- Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
- Protein in your urine (proteinuria) OR
- Signs of organ dysfunction (liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, brain dysfunction)
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.
2. What Causes 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.
Exact Cause
The exact cause of preeclampsia is still unknown, but it is strongly correlated with:
- Abnormal placenta development.
- Improper development of blood vessels.
- An imbalance in the immune system.
- Having genetic factors that predispose you to developing preeclampsia.
There are various risk factors that have been identified as having a direct, indirect, or inextricable relationship with preeclampsia. They can be categorized as follows:
High Risk Factors:
- First pregnancy.
- Previous history of preeclampsia.
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets).
- Chronic (long-standing) high blood pressure.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Kidney disease.
Moderate Risk Factors:
- Obesity.
- Being older than 35 years of age.
- Family history of preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
- Long periods between pregnancies.
3. Symptoms of Preeclampsia:
Early on, preeclampsia may not show symptoms, but can exhibit the following warning signs:
Symptoms
- Constantly headache
- High BP
- Swelling in face and/or hands
- Rapid weight increase
- Nausea/vomiting
- Severe Warning Signs
- Blurry vision/sensitivity to light
- Severe pain in upper belly
- Less urine output than normal
- Breathlessness.
4.when Does Preeclampsia Occur:
The classification of preeclampsia and the timeline of development during pregnancy determine the associated criteria of important obstetric outcomes for the mother and baby.
There is a distinction made for when preeclampsia occurs during the course of the pregnancy;
For example,
1. Early-onset preeclampsia.
(it occurs before 34 weeks gestation)
often presents with more significant maternal and fetal morbidity than.
2. Late-onset preeclampsia.
(late-onset occurs at or after 34 weeks gestation).
Early prenatal detection through regular antenatal care and blood pressure assessment provides an opportunity to improve both baby and mother’s outcomes.
5. Preeclampsia Types.
1. Mild, preeclampsia:
- BP of 140/90 mmHg or above.
- No or very few symptoms.
- Usually monitored and can be managed effectively.
2. Severe, preeclampsia:
- BP of 160/110 mmHg or more.
- Symptoms that indicate possible organ damage.
- Often need to be hospitalized for treatment.
3. Eclampsia:
Seizures.
- Life-threatening emergency condition.
4. HELLP syndrome:
- Hemolysis.
- High liver enzymes.
- Low platelet count.
- Serious maternal complication.
6. Complications Of Preeclampsia in Mother and Baby:
Maternal Complications of Preeclampsia:
- Stroke.
- Liver damage.
- Kidney failure.
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus (placental abruption).
- Seizures (eclampsia).
Fetal Complications of Preeclampsia:
- Reduced growth.
- Preterm delivery.
- Low weight.
- Stillbirth (if preeclampsia is left untreated).
The CDC reports a lower rate of maternal/fetal complications with early detection.
7. Diagnosing Preeclampsia.
Diagnosis is made through:
Clinical Assessment
- Blood Pressure Assessment
- Symptom Review
Laboratory Testing:
- Urine Protein Test
- Liver Tests
- Kidney Tests
- Platelet Count
Fetal Monitoring:
- Ultrasound
- Non-Stress Test
- Doppler Studies
- Adequate Rest
- Balanced Diet
- Low Salt Intake (moderately, not excessively)
- Adequate Hydration
- Calcium Supplementation (among deficient populations)
- Healthy Pregnancy Behaviors:
- Routine Antenatal Visits
- Weight Control
- Monitoring of Blood Pressure
- According to the National Health Service, early antenatal visits remain the best prevention.
- Had preeclampsia during pregnancy.
- Had chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy.
- Had gestational hypertension.
- Were overweight or obese.
- Have diabetes or kidney disease.
- Delivered more than one baby (eg., twins, triplets).
- Severe or persistent headache that does not respond to usual pain medication.
- Blurred vision, double vision, visual disturbances (light flashes), and/or temporary loss of vision.
- Blood pressure measurement of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right-hand side under your ribs.
- Nausea or vomiting that develops after delivery.
- Swelling of your face, hands, or legs that occurs rapidly.
- Volume related rapid weight gain.
- Decrease in the amount of urine produced.
- Seizure disorders (e.g., eclampsia).
- Stroke.
- Pulmonary edema (fluid retention in the lungs).
- Kidney damage.
- Liver damage.
- Blood coagulation abnormalities.
- HELLP syndrome.
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