Preeclampsia: A Pregnancy Complication to Catch Early

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.