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Preeclampsia | Pregnancy Power Hour
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Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, typically appearing after 20 weeks of gestation or postpartum.

2 min read

Quick answer

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, typically appearing after 20 weeks of gestation or postpartum.

On this page
  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team
  • Also: toxemia
  • Also: pregnancy-induced hypertension with proteinuria

Preeclampsia is a significant health concern during pregnancy, characterized by elevated blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly after 20 weeks of pregnancy or even after birth. It's a condition that can feel overwhelming to learn about, but understanding the signs and what the evidence suggests can help you feel more clear and confident.

What it is

At its core, preeclampsia involves blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher on two separate occasions, alongside either protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage. While some pregnancy changes, like Pregnancy Swelling (Edema), can be common and benign, the sudden or severe onset of swelling, especially in the face or hands, can be a warning sign with preeclampsia. It's important to remember that this condition affects a notable percentage of pregnancies globally and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal health complications.

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What it tends to feel like

For many, preeclampsia can develop without immediate, obvious symptoms, which is why regular prenatal check-ups are so important. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be quite distinct and warrant immediate attention. These might include a severe headache that doesn't go away, changes in vision such as blurriness or seeing spots, sudden and severe swelling, particularly in the face and hands, or pain in the upper right abdomen (epigastric pain). Sometimes, general discomfort or changes in sleep patterns, similar to what might lead to Pregnancy Insomnia, can be present, but it’s the specific cluster of severe symptoms that points towards preeclampsia. It's a time when tuning into your body and communicating any unusual feelings to your care team is incredibly valuable.

What the evidence says helps

Research offers some clear guidance on reducing the risk of preeclampsia for those at higher risk. For instance, low-dose aspirin (81mg daily) taken between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk by 20-30% in individuals identified as high-risk. Additionally, for people in populations with low dietary calcium intake, calcium supplementation (1.5-2g daily) may also help reduce the risk. These are proactive steps that you can discuss with your provider to see if they are a good fit for your unique situation. It's about making informed decisions collaboratively with your care team. While some skin changes like Melasma — Mask of Pregnancy are often just cosmetic, preeclampsia prevention is about supporting your overall systemic health.

Working with your care team

The only definitive treatment for preeclampsia is delivery, but the timing of that delivery depends on many factors, including the severity of the condition, your gestational age, and the well-being of both you and your baby. This is a complex decision that you get to make in close collaboration with your medical provider. It's also crucial to be aware that preeclampsia can occur postpartum, typically within seven days of delivery. This postpartum presentation is sometimes underrecognized, so continuing to monitor your body and communicate any concerns after birth is just as important. Your provider is your best resource for your specific situation, and they can help you understand all your options and make choices that feel right for you.

Common questions

When should I go to L&D / call 911?+

If you experience a severe headache that won't go away, visual changes like blurriness or seeing spots, severe pain in your upper abdomen, or sudden, severe swelling, seek immediate medical evaluation. These are warning signs that require urgent attention from your care provider.

What is the primary way preeclampsia is diagnosed?+

Preeclampsia is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher on two separate occasions, combined with either protein in the urine or other signs of organ system damage, all occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Can preeclampsia happen after the baby is born?+

Yes, postpartum preeclampsia can occur, typically within seven days of delivery. It's important to remain vigilant for warning signs even after your baby has arrived and to communicate any concerns to your provider.

Brittany Nance

“Pregnancy is under-supported at every week. This is the kind of clear, calm guidance I give my one-on-one clients — and the questions worth taking back to your provider.”

Brittany Nance · Pregnancy Wellness Consultant · full-spectrum doula

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Written by Brittany Nance, Pregnancy Wellness Consultant· BADT Full Spectrum Doula · Founder, Pregnancy Power Hour
Last reviewed July 15, 2026

This is evidence-informed education from a birth-doula perspective, not medical advice. Always discuss your individual situation with your prenatal care provider.

On this page

  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team

Keep reading

  • RelatedGestational HypertensionGestational hypertension is a condition where high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the additional signs of preeclampsia.
  • RelatedPostpartum PreeclampsiaPostpartum preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can develop after delivery, typically within the first few days but sometimes up to six weeks postpartum.
  • RelatedHELLP SyndromeHELLP Syndrome is a severe variant of preeclampsia involving specific blood and liver changes, requiring urgent medical attention.
  • RelatedLow Blood Pressure in PregnancyLow blood pressure in pregnancy is a common and often normal physiological adjustment as your body adapts to support your growing baby.
  • RelatedPregnancy Swelling (Edema)Pregnancy swelling, also known as edema, is a common and expected experience for many during pregnancy, resulting from normal physiological changes as your body supports your baby.
  • RelatedPostpartum HemorrhagePostpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is significant blood loss after birth, a serious but manageable complication that your care team is prepared to address.