30/05/2026
đŖ Preeclampsia: Signs, Symptoms & Management
â Preeclampsia is a serious high blood pressure condition in pregnancy
â It usually happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
â It can affect the motherâs brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, blood clotting, and placenta.
â It can also reduce blood flow to the baby, so urgent medical care is important.
đŖ Common warning signs
â High blood pressure
â BP may be high during pregnancy, even if the mother feels normal.
â Severe headache
â A bad headache that does not go away can be a warning sign.
â Blurred vision or seeing spots
â Vision changes, flashing lights, or temporary vision loss need urgent medical attention.
â Swelling of face or hands
â Sudden puffiness, especially with high BP, should be checked.
â Upper belly pain
â Pain under the ribs, especially on the right side, can suggest liver involvement.
â Nausea or vomiting
â New or worsening nausea later in pregnancy can be concerning.
â Shortness of breath
â Breathing difficulty may happen if fluid builds up in the lungs.
â Less urine or feeling very unwell
â Very little urine, extreme weakness, drowsiness, or feeling seriously unwell needs urgent care.
đŖ Why it is dangerous
â Preeclampsia can progress quickly
â It can lead to seizures, called eclampsia.
â It can also cause stroke, kidney injury, liver problems, low platelets, placental problems, and poor baby growth.
đŖ Management
â Seek medical care urgently
â Preeclampsia needs proper evaluation by a doctor.
â Check BP, urine, and blood tests
â Doctors may check blood pressure, urine protein, platelet count, liver function, kidney function, and other tests.
â Monitor the baby
â Ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring, and growth checks may be needed.
â Medicines may be prescribed
â BP medicines may be given to control high blood pressure safely.
â Magnesium sulfate may be needed in severe cases
â It is used to prevent or treat seizures.
â Delivery may be needed
â In some cases, delivery of the baby and placenta is the main treatment, depending on pregnancy weeks and severity.
đŖ Key message
â Preeclampsia is not just ânormal pregnancy swellingâ or âsimple headache.â
â High BP with headache, vision changes, upper belly pain, breathlessness, sudden swelling, or reduced urine should never be ignored.
â Fast medical care protects both mother and baby.
Medical Disclaimer:
This information is for general health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Preeclampsia can be life-threatening. If you are pregnant and have high BP, severe headache, vision changes, upper belly pain, breathlessness, sudden swelling, reduced urine, vomiting, drowsiness, or seizures, seek urgent medical care immediately.