Pre-eclampsia
Sources consulted
This article is original patient-education content.
- WHO—Health topics A–Z(2024)
- NHS—Health A to Z(2024)
- CDC—Health topics(2024)
Based on international clinical guidelines
Overview
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It causes high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs like the liver or kidneys. It can be serious for both the mother and the baby if not managed.
Key facts
- Pre-eclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- It can affect the mother’s blood pressure, liver, kidneys, and how the baby grows.
- With early care, most women with pre-eclampsia have healthy babies and recover fully after birth.
Pre-eclampsia affects about 1 in 20 pregnancies (5%). It is one of the most common complications of pregnancy.
It mostly affects pregnant women, especially first-time mothers. It can also occur in women with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, and those carrying twins or triplets.
Symptoms
- A very bad headache that does not go away
- Changes in eyesight – such as blurry vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, or temporary blindness
- Pain just below the ribs, especially on the right side
- Feeling very sick (nausea or vomiting) after the middle of pregnancy
- Shortness of breath or feeling like you are not getting enough air
- ⚠Swelling that comes on suddenly or is very severe
- ⚠A sudden increase in blood pressure at home (if you have a monitor)
Common symptoms
- High blood pressure (often found during a prenatal check-up)
- Swelling in the hands, face, or feet that comes on suddenly or is severe
- Protein in the urine (detected by a urine test)
- Sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a week)
Causes
Main causes
- The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is linked to problems with the placenta – the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Risk factors
- First pregnancy
- Previous pregnancy with pre-eclampsia
- Obesity (having a BMI of 30 or higher)
- Age over 40
- Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets)
- Pre-existing high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Family history of pre-eclampsia
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have any symptoms listed under 'emergency' – call your local emergency number or go to the emergency room immediately.
- If you notice sudden swelling in your hands, face, or feet, contact your midwife or maternity unit the same day.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Attend all your prenatal appointments – blood pressure and urine checks are routine and can catch pre-eclampsia early.
Diagnosis
Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and signs of damage to organs (usually the kidneys) after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Tests that may be done
- Blood pressure check
- Urine test to check for protein
- Blood tests to check liver and kidney function and platelet count
What to expect at your appointment
If your doctor or midwife suspects pre-eclampsia, they will likely check your blood pressure and urine at each visit. If it is diagnosed, you may be monitored more closely with regular blood tests and ultrasound scans to check your baby's growth.
Treatment
The only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivering the baby, but treatment focuses on managing blood pressure and monitoring you and your baby to decide the best timing for delivery.
Self-care at home
- Rest and lie on your left side to improve blood flow
- Monitor your blood pressure at home if advised by your healthcare team
- Keep all prenatal appointments so your condition can be watched closely
Medical treatments
Treatment may include medications to lower blood pressure and sometimes other medicines to prevent seizures. If pre-eclampsia is severe or close to full term, your healthcare team may recommend delivering your baby early, which can be via induction of labour or a caesarean section. The exact approach depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and how severe the condition is.
When is surgery considered?
If pre-eclampsia is severe and your baby needs to be delivered quickly, a caesarean section may be necessary to keep both of you safe.
Living with this condition
Living with pre-eclampsia often means more rest and frequent check-ups with your healthcare team. You may need to monitor your blood pressure at home and watch for new symptoms.
Lifestyle tips
- Get plenty of rest and avoid heavy physical activity
- Lie on your left side when resting to improve circulation
- Reduce stress and avoid strenuous work
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid adding salt to your food. Mild activity like walking may be okay, but follow your healthcare team’s advice. Do not start any new exercise without checking with them.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Having pre-eclampsia can be stressful and worrying. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your healthcare team about your feelings. If you feel very down, anxious, or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your doctor or call a crisis helpline right away.
Prevention
Pre-eclampsia cannot always be prevented. However, if you have risk factors, your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of calcium or a low dose of aspirin from early pregnancy – but only after discussing with your healthcare provider. Do not take any medicines without advice.
Screening programmes
All pregnant women are screened for pre-eclampsia through blood pressure checks and urine tests at every prenatal visit. This helps catch it early.
Complications
If left untreated
- Seizures (eclampsia) – a serious condition where the mother has convulsions
- Stroke (brain damage from bleeding or lack of blood flow)
- Organ damage, especially to the liver or kidneys
- Placental abruption – when the placenta separates from the womb too early
- Poor growth of the baby or premature birth
Long-term outlook
With proper care, most women with pre-eclampsia deliver healthy babies and recover fully after birth. The condition usually goes away within a few days to a few weeks after delivery. However, women who have had pre-eclampsia have a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, so it is important to keep up with regular health check-ups.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS – Pre-eclampsia ↗ · United Kingdom
- Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) ↗ · United Kingdom
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.