SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the biggest red flags that preeclampsia may be developing. And even if it's not a symptom of preeclampsia, it can still be a sign of a problem.

High blood pressure is traditionally defined as blood pressure of 140/90 or greater, measured on two separate occasions at least four hours apart. During pregnancy, a rise in the lower number (diastolic) of 15 degrees or more, or a rise in the upper number (systolic) of 30 degrees or more can also be a cause for concern.

What you can do...

Know your blood pressure prior to pregnancy, especially if it's normally considered low. Ask, "What is my blood pressure?" during each prenatal visit with your healthcare provider. (Learn how to take your blood pressure.)

Keep a log of your blood pressure, taken at the same time each day and in the same position. Share your log with your healthcare provider at each visit and notify her immediately if you find any significant rise between visits.

You can buy your own blood pressure monitor at most pharmacies, and some of these stores have a monitor available for your use, though they aren't always reliable. If you own your own monitor, have it calibrated with those used in your provider’s office.

For accuracy, blood pressure readings should be taken in the sitting position, with the cuff positioned on the left arm at the level of the heart. ("Your Blood Pressure: Know the Basics")

Please note that home monitors are not always as accurate as those used in clinics or hospitals. Home readings should never replace prenatal visits, nor should a "normal" reading mean you can ignore other symptoms of preeclampsia.

Some healthcare providers will recommend bed rest for you, even though evidence has not shown it to make a difference in outcomes. Some believe this helps limit potential stressors that could contribute to elevated blood pressures. During late pregnancy, you may be advised to lie on your left side to prevent restriction on certain veins which could also contribute to elevated blood pressure. Healthcare providers do not always agree on the benefits of lying on your side, but there is no evidence of harm.

You may consider seeing or consulting with a specialist in high risk pregnancies. This Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician Locator may help.

Protein in your urine (Proteinuria)

Protein in the urine, or proteinuria, has historically been used as a diagnostic feature of preeclampsia, but some women with preeclampsia may never develop proteinuria. Preeclampsia can still be diagnosed without proteinuria if other severe features are present. (Other severe features of preeclampsia may include low platelets, high levels of liver enzymes in your blood, fluid in your lungs, or severe headache or vision changes that doesn’t go away.)

Most low risk patients may no longer be tested for proteinuria at their regular prenatal check-ups. However, your healthcare provider may still run a simple dipstick test of your urine at some of your appointments if you have other symptoms or they feel you are at higher risk for preeclampsia or other kidney issues unrelated to preeclampsia. Some medical offices may still use blood work, urine protein to creatinine ratio or PCR, or a timed urine collection to measure your kidney function.

Normally, protein is confined to the blood by the filtering role of your kidneys. Preeclampsia may damage this “filter” and cause excess protein to be present in your urine. Most patients who experience kidney dysfunction because of preeclampsia will return to normal within a few months following delivery. Others may need continuing monitoring or treatment.

What you can do...

If your healthcare provider decides to test for protein in your urine, ask for those results to be printed out or made available via your online medical records. A reading of trace protein by dipstick in your urine is relatively common, and is usually not a cause for concern. If the reading is 1+ or greater, it may signal kidney dysfunction and additional confirming tests may be ordered.

Follow guidance from your healthcare provider if they ask you to collect your urine for 12 or 24 hours to determine the exact quantity of protein in the urine. Make every effort to be accurate. In a 24-hour collection, proteinuria is diagnosed when there is at least 300 mg/24h though an amount close to that might be equally concerning. In the case of a protein-creatinine ratio (another way to measure proteinuria), 0.3 generally corresponds to 300 mg in a 24-hour collection.

Swelling (Edema)

A certain amount of swelling is normal during pregnancy. Unless you're one of a lucky few, you may notice a little extra puffiness in your feet (good luck fitting into your pre-pregnancy shoes!). Edema, on the other hand, is the accumulation of excess fluid, and can be a concern when it occurs in your face, around your eyes, or in your hands.

What you can do...

If you think your face is getting excessively puffy, find a picture of yourself from just before pregnancy to share with your healthcare provider. If the swelling in your hands and feet becomes severe, you may notice “pitting edema” (when you press your thumb into your skin, an indentation remains for a few seconds) or discoloration of your legs. If you suspect this kind of edema, notify your healthcare provider. You should also put your feet up every day, but avoid sitting for extended periods of time.

Headaches

Dull or severe, throbbing headaches, often described as migraine-like that just won't go away are cause for concern.

What you can do...

If you have tried taking over-the-counter medication without relief, if the headache is very painful, you have light sensitivity, or if your headache is accompanied by vision changes (please read the section below on "Changes in Vision") call your provider immediately and ask to see him/her that day.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea or vomiting is particularly significant when the onset is sudden and after mid-pregnancy. “Morning sickness” should disappear after the first trimester and the sudden appearance of nausea and vomiting after mid pregnancy may be linked to preeclampsia.

What you can do...

Call your care provider. Nausea or vomiting can be confused with the flu or gallbladder problems, so talk to your provider about getting your blood pressure checked, and ask if your urine should be checked for protein.

Abdominal (stomach area) and/or Shoulder Pain

This type of abdominal pain, often called epigastric pain or upper right quadrant (URQ) pain, is usually under the ribs on the right side. It can be confused with heartburn, gallbladder problems, flu, indigestion or pain from the baby kicking. Shoulder pain is often called “referred pain” because it radiates from the liver under the right ribs. Lower back pain is different from muscle strain common to pregnancy, because it is usually more acute and specific. Shoulder pain can feel like someone is deeply pinching you along the bra strap or on your neck, or it can be painful to lie on your right side. All of these pain symptoms may be a sign of HELLP Syndrome or a related problem in the liver.

What you can do...

Pain in this area should be taken very seriously; do not dismiss it and go to bed. Call your health professional immediately.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a very common complaint of pregnancy. However, sometimes it may indicate a problem with the liver, especially if it accompanies other symptoms of preeclampsia.

What you can do...

Also, watch for Stomach and Right Shoulder Pain (above) and mention this symptom to your health care provider. If this pain accompanies one or more of the other symptoms, you should call your health care provider immediately.

Sudden Weight Gain

Weight gain of more than 3-5 pounds in a week may be an indicator of preeclampsia. Damaged blood vessels allow more water to leak into and stay in your body's tissue and not to pass through the kidneys to be excreted.

What you can do...

Do not try to lose weight during pregnancy by restricting your diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, including fresh raw fruit and vegetables, your prenatal vitamin, and a folic acid supplement is important for all pregnancies. Avoid excessive salt. Prior to getting pregnant, achieve a healthy weight (a BMI of 30 or less) since obesity has been shown to increase the chances of getting preeclampsia.

Given that preeclampsia is a complex disease, women will develop it for different reasons. A healthy, balanced diet and optimal weight may make a significant difference for some women. However, we urge caution when considering diets designed for weight-loss or claiming to prevent preeclampsia that encourage large amounts of protein. Excessive dietary protein may cause problems in women with underlying kidney disease.

Be sure to drink sufficient amounts of fluid, usually dictated by your normal thirst sensations, and to perform moderate amounts of exercise regularly. During your prenatal visits do not attempt to disguise weight gain by skipping breakfast, using diet pills or fasting for the day. An accurate weight is vital for a proper diagnosis.

The Preeclampsia Foundation recognizes the importance of a good diet, however we do not recommend any particular diet or juice product.

Changes in Vision

Vision changes are one of the most serious symptoms of preeclampsia. They may be associated with central nervous system irritation or be an indication of swelling of the brain (cerebral edema).

Common vision changes include sensations of flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, or blurry vision or spots.

What you can do...

If you experience any of these changes in vision, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or go directly to the hospital. These symptoms are very serious and should not be left unattended, even until the next morning.

Hyperreflexia

Hyperreflexia is when your reflexes are so strong that when your knee is tapped by a rubber “hammer,” your leg bounces back hard. Hyperreflexia is generally caused by an overreaction of the involuntary nervous system to stimulation.

Deep tendon reflexes are increased in many women prior to seizures, but seizures can also occur without hyperreflexia.

What you can do...

This sign is generally measured by a healthcare provider and otherwise difficult for you to observe yourself. Like headache and visual changes, hyperreflexia may indicate changes in your nervous system. Your healthcare provider will let you know if he/she is concerned and whether it is an indication, along with other signs and symptoms, that you should go to the hospital.

If you are under treatment with magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, your healthcare provider may also test your reflexes to monitor for the need to start, adjust or stop the magnesium treatment. An overdose of magnesium sulfate may suppress or excessively slow your reflexes.

Shortness of breath, anxiety

Shortness of breath, a racing pulse, mental confusion, a heightened sense of anxiety, and a sense of impending doom can be symptoms of preeclampsia. If these symptoms are new to you, they could indicate an elevated blood pressure, or more rarely, fluid collecting in your lungs (pulmonary edema).

What you can do...

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms are new. If you've experienced these conditions before pregnancy, be sure to mention them to your care provider during your next visit so they can be monitored closely.