Many women with preeclampsia have no noticeable symptoms; warning signs are picked up on routine screening tests.
Telltale signs typically include:
- Hypertension - Women who previously had normal blood pressure may suddenly develop high blood pressure after their 20th week of pregnancy, or after giving birth. Preeclampsia can also occur in women who previously had high blood pressure.
- Protein in the urine (proteinuria) - Urine tests may detect elevated protein levels, a sign of kidney damage.
Severe symptoms that should not be ignored may include:
- Headache - Severe or constant headache that either doesn’t improve or gets worse.
- Vision loss or changes - Vision may become blurry, or you could temporarily lose sight altogether. You may become more sensitive to light, or you may see spots or flashing lights.
- Abdominal pain - Pain is typically felt in the upper right part of the belly, and can sometimes radiate up the right shoulder.
- Nausea or vomiting - If you’re no longer having first-trimester morning sickness and you suddenly develop new nausea midway through your pregnancy, it can be a sign that something is wrong.
- Difficulty breathing - Shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded or faint, and overwhelming anxiety or dread can all be symptoms of preeclampsia.
Other common signs can include:
- Edema - Sudden swelling, especially in the hands and face, can be a sign. This is usually more noticeable and severe than normal swelling during pregnancy, which is more common in the feet.
- Sudden weight gain - While gradual weight gain is normal during pregnancy, a sudden increase can be a sign of preeclampsia.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should call your OB/GYN or get to an emergency room.