Preeclampsia: A Pregnancy Complication to Catch Early
Regular blood pressure checks and urine tests save lives.
Dr. Mathilde Carron
Obstetrician
In simple terms
Preeclampsia complicates 3-5% of pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity worldwide.
What you need to remember
- Prevention — Low-dose aspirin from 12-16 weeks reduces risk in high-risk women.
- Management — Antihypertensives, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, and timed delivery — the only definitive cure.
New hypertension after 20 weeks plus proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction. Severe forms include HELLP syndrome and eclampsia (seizures).
Warning signs
- Severe headache
- Visual disturbances
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Sudden swelling
- Reduced fetal movements
Prevention
Low-dose aspirin from 12-16 weeks reduces risk in high-risk women. Adequate calcium intake matters in low-intake populations.
Management
Antihypertensives, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, and timed delivery — the only definitive cure.
Cardiovascular risk remains elevated lifelong after preeclampsia: long-term follow-up matters.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
- Cardiovascular
- Related to the heart and blood vessels.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Preeclampsia: A Pregnancy Complication to Catch Early?
- Preeclampsia complicates 3-5% of pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity worldwide.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Preeclampsia: A Pregnancy Complication to Catch Early?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Preeclampsia: A Pregnancy Complication to Catch Early?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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