Symptoms of preeclampsia usually develop in the second half of pregnancy and can include:
high blood pressureproteinuria (too much protein in your urine)swelling in your hands and face (your feet might also swell, but this can be a common symptom of pregnancy)severe headacheblurred visionpain just below your ribsnauseomitingseizuresYou might not experience any symptoms at first, or they may be mild. High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms, so you might not know you he it, but a healthcare professional might notice it during your prenatal appointments.
High blood pressure alone is not necessarily a sign of preeclampsia, but if high blood pressure occurs along with other symptoms, it might be. Always reach out to your doctor or midwife for more in-depth checks if you he high blood pressure or experience any other symptoms that seem concerning.
ComplicationsPreeclampsia can lead to complications for both you and your baby, including:
Restricted fetal growth: Limited blood flow to the placenta can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your baby. This may mean that your baby can’t grow and develop as they otherwise would.Preterm birth: A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, or 9 months from the last menstrual period. If you develop preeclampsia, your baby might need to be delivered early. This could happen before 37 weeks and can increase some risks for your baby, such as the risk of certain breathing and developmental difficulties.Placental abruption: This is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before your baby is delivered. It can cause hey bleeding and can be life threatening.Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome: HELLP syndrome involves damage to multiple organs and is life threatening for both you and your baby. It can cause typical preeclampsia symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, and vomiting but can also develop suddenly without any of those.Eclampsia: Eclampsia may cause seizures, stroke, and coma and may even lead to death.Cardiovascular disease: Experiencing preeclampsia can increase your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease later in life.If you notice any symptoms of preeclampsia, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team.