Preeclampsia: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Shraddha S Sabnis , Gynecologists

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Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and often damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the baby. If not treated, preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems, including risks of seizures (eclampsia), premature birth or complications for the mother's organs.

Most women with preeclampsia notice swelling, headaches or sudden weight gain, but sometimes it may not cause obvious symptoms. That's why regular prenatal checkups are important to detect it early.

Types of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can develop in mild or severe forms during pregnancy and may progress to eclampsia in serious cases. The main types include:

Mild Preeclampsia

Mild Preeclampsia happens when blood pressure is higher than normal but not extremely high. The symptoms are usually mild and can often be managed with rest, medicines and regular monitoring.

Severe Preeclampsia

Severe Preeclampsia causes very high blood pressure that may lead to headaches, vision changes or organ problems and often requires hospital care or early delivery of the baby.

Early-Onset Preeclampsia

Early-Onset Preeclampsia occurs before 34 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby is still very small, making it riskier and often requiring specialized care to protect both mother and baby.

Late-Onset Preeclampsia

Late-Onset Preeclampsia develops after 34 weeks of pregnancy, closer to the due date. Although the baby is more developed, the condition can still be dangerous if not treated properly.

Postpartum Preeclampsia

Postpartum Preeclampsia is rare but can develop after childbirth, usually within 48 hours to 6 weeks, causing symptoms like headaches or vision problems that need urgent medical care.

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Difference Between Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Preeclampsia affects organ function and causes swelling during pregnancy. Eclampsia is the serious stage, leading to seizures that require immediate medical care.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ stress like protein in urine, swelling or liver problems. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a more severe stage of preeclampsia where the mother develops seizures (fits). This can be life-threatening and needs emergency treatment to protect both mother and baby.

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Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia may not show clear signs in the beginning, so regular prenatal checkups are very important. When symptoms appear, they can include:

• Blood pressure above normal can affect organs and needs careful monitoring.
• Puffiness in face, hands, or eyes may occur due to fluid buildup in pregnancy.
• Persistent headaches not eased by rest or medicine may signal pregnancy issues.
• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots can occur and may indicate a serious pregnancy-related condition.
• Sudden weight increase, often from fluid retention, may signal complications like preeclampsia and should be monitored.
• Pain under the right ribs may show liver involvement or other pregnancy complications.
• Frequent nausea or vomiting in late pregnancy may indicate underlying issues.
• Less frequent urination can signal kidney issues or fluid imbalance, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

If you notice any signs of preeclampsia, see a doctor immediately, because untreated preeclampsia can cause serious problems for both mother and baby.

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What are the Causes of Preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully known, but problems with the placenta, blood flow, immune reactions, genetics, and other health conditions may play a role.

• Problems with placental blood vessels: Abnormal or narrow blood vessels in the placenta can reduce blood flow, causing stress on both the mother and baby during pregnancy.
• Poor blood supply to the placenta: Insufficient blood reaching the placenta can strain the mother and baby, contributing to the development of preeclampsia.
• Immune system reactions: The mother's immune system may react unusually against the placenta, which can trigger inflammation and increase the risk of preeclampsia.
• Genetic factors: A family history of preeclampsia increases a woman's risk, suggesting that inherited genes may influence the development of this condition.

Other underlying conditions: Existing health issues like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or clotting disorders can raise the likelihood of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

Certain factors increase a woman's risk of developing preeclampsia, including first pregnancy, multiple babies, age extremes, family history or health conditions.

• First pregnancy or new partner in pregnancy
• Family history of preeclampsia, if mother or sister had it
• Carrying twins or triplets
• Maternal age under 20 or over 35
• Obesity or being overweight before pregnancy
• Pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or autoimmune disorders
• Short or long gap between pregnancies, less than 1 year or more than 10 years

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Complications of Preeclampsia

If not treated, preeclampsia can cause serious health issues for both mother and baby, including seizures, organ damage, and complications at birth.

For the Mother

• Eclampsia: Dangerous seizures during pregnancy that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• HELLP syndrome: Serious liver and blood clotting problem caused by preeclampsia that needs fast medical care.
• Organ damage: Preeclampsia can harm the kidneys, liver, or brain of the mother if not managed.
• Stroke or heart problems: High blood pressure from preeclampsia can cause heart and stroke problems later.
• Future pregnancy risks: Women who had preeclampsia have a higher chance of it happening again in later pregnancies.

For the Baby

• Preterm birth: Severe preeclampsia may require the baby to be delivered early to protect the health of both mother and baby.
• Low birth weight: Reduced blood flow to the placenta can slow the baby's growth, causing low weight and affecting early development.
• Stillbirth: In severe cases of preeclampsia, untreated complications may lead to pregnancy loss, risking the life of the baby.
• Long-term health problems: Babies born to mothers with preeclampsia may face higher chances of chronic illnesses or health issues later in life.

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When to See a Doctor for Preeclampsia

It's important to seek medical help right away if you notice signs that may point to preeclampsia. Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severe headaches that don't go away
• Blurred vision, flashing lights or sudden vision changes
• Swelling of the face, hands or around the eyes
• Sudden weight gain in a short period of time
• Severe upper belly pain, usually felt under the ribs on the right side.
• Nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness

Early medical care can prevent complications for both mother and baby.

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Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is usually diagnosed during routine prenatal check-ups. Doctors look for signs of high blood pressure and organ stress. Tests may include:

• Blood pressure measurement: High readings during pregnancy may indicate preeclampsia and need careful monitoring.
• Urine tests: Checking urine for protein helps identify kidney stress linked to preeclampsia.
• Blood tests: Tests assess liver and kidney function and platelet levels to detect complications early.
• Ultrasound scans: Monitors the baby's growth, development and amniotic fluid levels for any problems.
• Doppler studies: Checks blood flow in the placenta and umbilical cord to provide the baby is getting enough oxygen.

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Treatment and Management of Preeclampsia

The only complete cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby, but treatment focuses on preeclampsia management to protect both mother and child until it is safe to deliver. The treatment for preeclampsia depends on how serious it is and how many weeks pregnant you are.

1. Close monitoring

• Regular BP, urine and blood tests monitor kidney, liver, and overall maternal health.
• Frequent ultrasounds track the baby's growth and amniotic fluid levels to ensure proper development.
• Monitoring helps detect complications, adjust treatment and plan safe delivery for mother and baby.

2. Medications

• Doctors may give safe meds to control blood pressure and reduce complication risks.
• These medicines help protect the mother's organs, prevent seizures (eclampsia) and maintain healthy blood flow to the placenta.
• Regular follow-ups ensure the correct dosage and adjustments for both mother and baby's safety.

3. Steroid Injections

• Steroids may be given to help the baby's lungs mature if early delivery becomes necessary.
• They reduce the risk of breathing problems and other complications for the baby after birth.
• Steroid therapy is usually carefully timed and monitored by healthcare professionals to maximize benefits.

4. Bed rest and lifestyle changes

• Reducing physical activity and getting adequate rest can help manage preeclampsia symptoms.
• Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and avoiding high-salt foods help control blood pressure.
• These measures support overall health and reduce the chance of sudden complications during pregnancy.

5. Hospital care:

• Severe cases of preeclampsia may require hospitalization for close monitoring and immediate treatment.
• Hospital care allows doctors to respond quickly to blood pressure spikes, seizures or signs of organ stress.
• Intravenous medications and continuous fetal monitoring ensure both mother and baby are safe.

6. Early delivery:

• If preeclampsia becomes severe, early delivery may be necessary to protect the mother and baby.
• Doctors carefully decide the timing based on the baby's growth, gestational age and the mother's health.
• Early delivery reduces the risk of life-threatening complications while ensuring the baby has the best chance of survival.

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How To Prevent Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, but healthy habits and regular medical care can lower the risk. Some simple steps are:

• Regular prenatal visits to monitor mother and baby's health.
• Manage existing health conditions during pregnancy.
• Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
• Take low dose aspirin if your doctor recommends it.
• Eat a calcium-rich diet for strong bones and overall health.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol to protect mother and baby.

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Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy problem affecting both mother and baby, usually after 20 weeks. Early checkups are very important to avoid complications like eclampsia, preterm birth or organ issues. With proper management, medicines, lifestyle care and sometimes early delivery, both mother and baby can be safe and many women have healthy pregnancies.

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