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Signs

New or Worsening Symptoms

Effects on Birthing Parent

Treatment

Preeclampsiais a rare but serious high blood pressure condition that can occur during pregnancy. This condition occurs in about 5% of pregnancies in the United States.

Preeclampsia is highly treatable when healthcare providers detect it and intervene early. Most people receive early intervention and have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious problems, including preterm birth and, in rare cases, death.

This article reviews signs of preeclampsia, risk factors, effects on the fetus and parent, and treatment.

Preeclampsia

Am I Showing Signs of Preeclampsia?

Healthcare providers detect preeclampsia through warning signs from blood pressure readings and urine tests during prenatal visits. Hypertension (high blood pressure)is blood pressure that’s consistently higher than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It is the most common early sign of preeclampsia.

Your healthcare provider will periodically test yoururine for proteinduring prenatal visits. Levels may progressively increase over weeks or months if preeclampsia worsens.

Risk factors for preeclampsia include:

2:21Everything You Should Know About Preeclampsia

2:21

Everything You Should Know About Preeclampsia

When Does Preeclampsia Start?Preeclampsia can occur anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. But most cases occur between weeks 34 and 37, as noted below.Early onset (less than 34 weeks): Rare, occurring in around 10% of cases34 to 37 weeks: Common, occurring in approximately 85% of cases (can happen during delivery)Postpartum preeclampsia: Rare, with about 5% of cases occurring after delivery (typically 48 hours after birth)

When Does Preeclampsia Start?

Preeclampsia can occur anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. But most cases occur between weeks 34 and 37, as noted below.Early onset (less than 34 weeks): Rare, occurring in around 10% of cases34 to 37 weeks: Common, occurring in approximately 85% of cases (can happen during delivery)Postpartum preeclampsia: Rare, with about 5% of cases occurring after delivery (typically 48 hours after birth)

Preeclampsia can occur anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. But most cases occur between weeks 34 and 37, as noted below.

A Blood Test Could Predict Early Preeclampsia Warning Signs, Study Says

New or Worsening Preeclampsia Symptoms That Require Treatment

While most cases of preeclampsia are mild, the condition can quickly progress to severe preeclampsia or eclampsia (seizures and coma) within a few days.About 25% of those with preeclampsia develop severe preeclampsia.

Healthcare providers suspect worsening preeclampsia based on “alarm” signs and symptoms. This includes a blood pressure above 160/110 mm Hg and one or more of the following symptoms:

HELLP SyndromeAnother indication that preeclampsia may be worsening isHELLP syndrome. HELLP refers to a group of symptoms that may be the first warning of preeclampsia and include:H: Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)EL: Elevated liver enzymesLP: Low platelet counts (increases the risk of severe bleeding)HELLP is a rare condition in 1 or 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies. However, the risk increases for those with preeclampsia. Around 10% to 20% of those with preeclampsia or eclampsia develop HELLP.

HELLP Syndrome

Another indication that preeclampsia may be worsening isHELLP syndrome. HELLP refers to a group of symptoms that may be the first warning of preeclampsia and include:H: Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)EL: Elevated liver enzymesLP: Low platelet counts (increases the risk of severe bleeding)HELLP is a rare condition in 1 or 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies. However, the risk increases for those with preeclampsia. Around 10% to 20% of those with preeclampsia or eclampsia develop HELLP.

Another indication that preeclampsia may be worsening isHELLP syndrome. HELLP refers to a group of symptoms that may be the first warning of preeclampsia and include:

HELLP is a rare condition in 1 or 2 out of 1,000 pregnancies. However, the risk increases for those with preeclampsia. Around 10% to 20% of those with preeclampsia or eclampsia develop HELLP.

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Women?

Most people with preeclampsia seek early intervention and have healthy pregnancies and babies. But left untreated, preeclampsia can cause complications for the fetus.

Preeclampsia can reduce the amount ofamniotic fluid(the liquid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus), causing a restriction of blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the placenta. This might affect fetal growth and development, resulting in low birth weight.

Rarely, severe preeclampsia can lead to complications such asplacental abruption(separation of the placenta from the uterus),premature birth, orstillbirth. The highest risk to the fetus is preeclampsia before 34 weeks (infrequent and occurs in about 10% of preeclampsia cases).

Placental AbruptionPlacental abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. It is a rare, life-threatening event, occurring in about 1% of those with preeclampsia and 3% of those with severe preeclampsia.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. It is a rare, life-threatening event, occurring in about 1% of those with preeclampsia and 3% of those with severe preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia: Effects on Birthing Parent

Attending all prenatal care checkups, even if you feel well, is vital and allows your healthcare providers to monitor you for signs of preeclampsia. Early detection, monitoring, and interventions are critical to minimizing preeclampsia complications.

How Quickly Can Preeclampsia Develop?Blood pressure may gradually rise, reading about 135/85 mm Hg for a couple of weeks before reaching hypertension between 34 and 37 weeks. However, preeclampsia can develop more quickly when it occurs before 34 weeks or postpartum (after giving birth).

How Quickly Can Preeclampsia Develop?

Blood pressure may gradually rise, reading about 135/85 mm Hg for a couple of weeks before reaching hypertension between 34 and 37 weeks. However, preeclampsia can develop more quickly when it occurs before 34 weeks or postpartum (after giving birth).

Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, putting the birthing parent at risk for:

Having preeclampsia during pregnancy also increases the risk ofcardiovascular(heart or blood vessels) disease,hypertension,kidney disease, and strokes in the future.

How a Provider Treats Preeclampsia

While it can be dangerous, preeclampsia is highly treatable. Regular prenatal visits are critical in detecting and managing this condition. A healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan based on the severity of your preeclampsia.

How Long Can I Be Pregnant With Preeclampsia?

Severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome almost always indicate early delivery, which can be life-threatening and cause liver damage.

Week-to-Week Pregnancy Timeline

After delivery, a healthcare provider will continue to monitor your blood pressure and organ function. They may prescribe medications for postpartum management and recommend follow-up visits to assess long-term health.

Even if you did not show signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy, your provider will monitor you after birth due to the increase in postpartum preeclampsia cases.

Summary

Preeclampsia is a severe but rare high blood pressure condition that can occur anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy, though most cases occur around 34 to 37 weeks. It is highly treatable, but left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe problems, including organ damage, seizures, preterm delivery, and death.

Prenatal visits are essential because early detection and intervention are critical for minimizing risk. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve monitoring, medications, bed rest, hospitalization, inducing labor, or having a C-section delivery.

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.August, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276Jung E, Romero R, Yeo L, et al.The etiology of preeclampsia.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;226(2). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Frost AL, Suriano K, Aye CY, Leeson P, Lewandowski AJ.The immediate and long-term impact of preeclampsia on offspring vascular and cardiac physiology in the preterm infant.Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021;9. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.625726American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee opinion no. 713: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):e102-e109. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002237Additional ReadingAugust, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.August, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276Jung E, Romero R, Yeo L, et al.The etiology of preeclampsia.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;226(2). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Frost AL, Suriano K, Aye CY, Leeson P, Lewandowski AJ.The immediate and long-term impact of preeclampsia on offspring vascular and cardiac physiology in the preterm infant.Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021;9. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.625726American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee opinion no. 713: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):e102-e109. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002237Additional ReadingAugust, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

August, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276Jung E, Romero R, Yeo L, et al.The etiology of preeclampsia.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;226(2). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.Frost AL, Suriano K, Aye CY, Leeson P, Lewandowski AJ.The immediate and long-term impact of preeclampsia on offspring vascular and cardiac physiology in the preterm infant.Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021;9. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.625726American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee opinion no. 713: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):e102-e109. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002237

August, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.

Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276

Jung E, Romero R, Yeo L, et al.The etiology of preeclampsia.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;226(2). doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356

Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001

Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?

MedlinePlus.HELLP syndrome.

Frost AL, Suriano K, Aye CY, Leeson P, Lewandowski AJ.The immediate and long-term impact of preeclampsia on offspring vascular and cardiac physiology in the preterm infant.Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2021;9. doi:10.3389/fped.2021.625726

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee opinion no. 713: Antenatal corticosteroid therapy for fetal maturation.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):e102-e109. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002237

August, P.Preeclampsia: Clinical features and diagnosis. In: Lockwood, CJ, Barss, VA, eds.UpToDate. UpToDate; 2023.Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001Eunice Shriver Kennedy National Institute of Child Health and Development.What are the risks of preeclampsia and eclampsia to the mother?Rana S, Lemoine E, Granger JP, Karumanchi SA.Preeclampsia.Circulation Research. 2019;124(7):1094-1112. doi:10.1161/circresaha.118.313276

Erez O, Romero R, Jung E, Chaemsaithong P, Bosco M, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Gotsch F.Preeclampsia and eclampsia: The conceptual evolution of a syndrome.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;226(2S):S786-S803. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.001

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