Preeclampsia
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Most Important Things to Know:
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Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen after being pregnant for more than 20 weeks or after giving birth
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You can do everything right and still get preeclampsia
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Doctors diagnose preeclampsia when someone has high blood pressure and signs that organs aren't working normally
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Most people with preeclampsia have healthy babies when they get early treatment and go to all doctor visits​
Warning Signs
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Sudden worse swelling of feet, face or hands
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Headache that will not go away
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​Seeing spots, things looking blurry, or other problems with seeing
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Pain in the top part of your belly
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Pain in your shoulder that feels different than normal
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Feeling like you're going to throw up or throwing up (after you are pregnant 20 weeks or more)
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Trouble breathing
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Very high blood pressure (top number more than 160 or bottom number more than 110)
Many pregnant people get headaches and belly pain. It can be hard to know if it's normal or not. If you're not sure or worried at all, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. It's better to call and find out everything is okay than to wait too long to get help.
What You'll Learn on This Page:
Learn how preeclampsia affects your body and what tests your doctor will do.
Learn what treatments you may need and what you can do to stay safe.
Find out what happens after delivery and what to know about future pregnancies.
See where we got this information and find trusted sources
Understanding Preeclampsia
Managing Your Care
Looking Ahead
Resources We Used
Written by:
Last Updated: January 16, 2025
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Disclaimer:
The information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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