From the Guidelines
Preeclampsia symptoms include high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) and protein in the urine (proteinuria), typically developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Women may experience severe headaches, vision changes like blurry vision or light sensitivity, upper abdominal pain (usually under the ribs on the right side), nausea or vomiting, decreased urination, shortness of breath, and sudden weight gain with significant swelling (edema) in the face, hands, and feet. Some women may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular prenatal check-ups are essential 1. Preeclampsia occurs due to abnormal placental development leading to systemic inflammation and blood vessel damage. This condition is serious and requires immediate medical attention as it can progress to eclampsia (seizures) or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) 1.
Key Symptoms
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes like blurry vision or light sensitivity
- Upper abdominal pain (usually under the ribs on the right side)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased urination
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain with significant swelling (edema) in the face, hands, and feet
Importance of Prompt Treatment
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially severe headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain, seek medical care immediately as prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications for both mother and baby 1. The management of preeclampsia involves urgent treatment of severe hypertension, assessment of fetal well-being, and maternal monitoring for signs of complications 1. Prompt recognition and treatment of preeclampsia can significantly reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the baby.
From the Research
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
- Hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg) 2
- Proteinuria (> 300 mg/24 h), although proteinuria is no longer required for the diagnosis of preeclampsia 2
- Renal impairment 2
- Thrombocytopenia 2
- Epigastric pain 2
- Liver dysfunction 2
- Hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome 2
- Visual disturbances 2
- Headache 2
- Seizures 2
Severe Preeclampsia
- Severe hypertension (SBP ≥ 160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg) 2
- Thrombocytopenia < 100,000/μL 2
- Liver transaminases above twice the normal values 2
- HELLP syndrome 2
- Renal failure 2
- Persistent epigastric or right upper quadrant pain 2
- Visual or neurologic symptoms 2
- Acute pulmonary edema 2