What are the Signs and Symptoms of Preeclamsia?

While most women give birth without any problems, there are some pregnancy-related health issues you should know about. One of these is preeclampsia.  Preeclampsia, also called toxemia, affects up to 8 percent of all pregnant women.  The diagnosis is made when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and protein in her urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy (preeclampsia before 20 weeks is rare).  Preeclampsia can show up any time after 20 weeks, but usually will show up after 37 weeks of pregnancy, even developing during labor. 

Preeclampsia can have serious health implications for mother and baby, so it is vital to know the symptoms.  The earlier preeclampsia develops, the more serious it can become.  So, if you experience any symptoms of preeclampsia, alert your doctor immediately.  In addition, since preeclampsia often has no symptoms, it is vital to see your doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy so he or she can check you for any signs of high blood pressure or protein in your urine. 

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

• High blood pressure (symptoms can include:  racing pulse, heightened anxiety, mental confusion and trouble catching your breath)
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Swelling or puffiness in your face or around your eyes
• Dizziness
• Protein in your urine (detected with urine tests)
• Sudden weight gain A gain of more than 2 pounds in a week or 6 pounds in a month
• Severe or persistent headache
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in the 2nd or 3rd trimesters
• Urinating infrequently or not at all
• Changes in vision - such as temporary loss of vision, blurry vision, spots, light sensitivity, flashing lights
• Pain under the right side of the ribs, radiating to the shoulder. 
• Lower back pain

Again, keep in mind that sometimes there are no symptoms to alert you to this problem.  That's why it's critical for you to obtain regular prenatal checkups, including a urine test and a check of your blood pressure.  Just remember, blood pressure is called the "silent killer" for a reason - sometimes you have no idea you have it until it's too late.

You may want to buy a home blood pressure kit so that you can regularly monitor your blood pressure between checkups.

Who is More at Risk for Preeclampsia?

The cause of preeclampsia is not known.  Although preeclampsia can develop in any pregnant woman, some women are more susceptible:

• women who have previously experienced high blood pressure
• women who have had preeclampsia before 30 weeks during previous pregnancy
• women who have mothers, aunts, sisters or grandmothers who have had preeclampsia
• women over 40
• women under 20
• women who have ovarian cysts, diabetes, kidney diseases, blood clotting disorders, lupus or arthritis
• women with a family history of diabetes
• women who are obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more
• women carrying multiples

For more information on preeclampsia, you can visit the Preeclampsia Foundation at http://www.preeclampsia.org/

(Editor's Note:  The following is for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions regarding preeclampsia or other 
pregnancy health-related questions, you are urged to consult your doctor).

Synonyms:  Preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension or high-blood pressure are used synonymously.

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