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Preeclampsia
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, requiring careful medical monitoring.

Overview

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy in which affected women develop high blood pressure (hypertension) and often have abnormally high levels of protein in their urine (proteinuria). This condition usually occurs in the last few months of pregnancy, though it can appear shortly after giving birth (postpartum preeclampsia).

Symptoms

Many women with mild preeclampsia do not feel ill. Signs and symptoms can include:

  • Excessive swelling (edema) of the face or hands
  • Weight gain of more than 3 to 5 pounds in a week due to fluid retention
  • Headaches, dizziness, and irritability
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decrease in urination
  • Upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Vision changes (flashing lights, spots, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or temporary blindness)

Complications

In severe cases, preeclampsia can damage organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Extremely high blood pressure can cause bleeding in the brain or seizures, a condition known as eclampsia, which can lead to coma. Some women develop HELLP syndrome, characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelets. Preeclampsia can also affect the fetus, potentially leading to growth problems or stillbirth.

Causes

The specific causes are not well understood. Studies suggest preeclampsia is related to a problem with the placenta. If there is an insufficient connection between the placenta and the arteries of the uterus, the placenta does not receive enough blood and releases chemicals that affect the lining of blood vessels (the vascular endothelium). This causes the mother's blood vessels to constrict abnormally, leading to hypertension.

Inheritance

Many cases occur in women with no known family history and do not seem to be inherited. However, some families have a strong history of the disorder. The tendency to develop preeclampsia can be influenced by genetic variations carried by either parent, as well as genetic variations carried by the fetus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, postpartum preeclampsia can develop within 48 hours to six weeks after delivery, even in women who had normal blood pressure during pregnancy. New mothers should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe, persistent headaches that do not respond to pain relievers, sudden changes in vision, pain in the upper right abdomen, extreme swelling in the hands or face, or sudden shortness of breath. Can taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy prevent preeclampsia?::Medical guidelines recommend daily low-dose aspirin (81 to 162 mg) starting between weeks 12 and 16 of pregnancy for women identified as having high risk factors, such as a prior history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions. Aspirin helps improve blood flow through the placenta, but it must be started under the direct guidance of an obstetrician. What blood pressure reading is considered a hypertensive emergency in preeclampsia?::A systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 110 mm Hg or higher, measured on two occasions at least four hours apart (or confirmed within minutes in urgent situations), is considered a severe-range hypertensive emergency. This requires prompt hospitalization and intravenous antihypertensive therapy to reduce the risk of maternal stroke, seizure, or placental abruption. Does a history of preeclampsia affect long-term cardiovascular health after pregnancy?::Yes, women who experience preeclampsia have a two- to four-fold higher risk of developing chronic hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular events later in life. Healthcare providers recommend annual blood pressure screenings and regular monitoring of cholesterol, blood glucose, and kidney function starting within the first few years postpartum.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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