What is Preeclampsia? Symptoms, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is preeclampsia and how can it affect your pregnancy? Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of stress on organs like the liver or kidneys. While it can be serious, many people go on to have healthy pregnancies and recover fully – especially with early detection and the right medical support. Whether you're currently expecting or simply preparing for the future, learning about preeclampsia – its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options – can help you feel more informed and confident in your journey.

Understanding Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is defined by elevated blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher), along with signs of organ impairment. In some cases, it can also appear after delivery.

The condition can range in severity and often progresses quietly, without obvious symptoms – which is why regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are key. For example, impairment of kidney function can lead to protein in the urine (proteinuria) and swelling in the hands, feet, or face. Other signs of organ involvement may include liver dysfunction, headaches, or visual disturbances.

Preeclampsia affects about 5–8% of pregnancies and is one of several reasons why ongoing prenatal care is so essential to protecting your health and your baby’s well-being.

When Does Preeclampsia Develop and Who’s at Risk?

Preeclampsia most often develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy but can sometimes appear up to four weeks after delivery. While it can affect anyone, some factors may increase your chances of developing it.

You may have a higher risk if:

• This is your first pregnancy
  

• You’ve had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
  

• You live with chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
  

• You conceived using IVF
  

• You’re living with obesity
  

• You’re over the age of 40
  

• You identify as Black or Indigenous

A Note on Health Equity

Black and Indigenous women face significantly higher rates of preeclampsia – not due to biology, but because of systemic inequities, chronic stress, and disparities in access to respectful, high-quality care. These realities are not your fault. You deserve compassionate, evidence-based support and advocacy every step of the way.

How Mira Can Support You

While Mira is not designed to diagnose or monitor preeclampsia, our tools can offer valuable insights into your hormone health, especially if you’re trying to conceive or managing irregular cycles.

Mira combines the lab-grade Mira Hormone Monitor, specialized testing Mira Wands, and the Mira App to help you track key fertility hormones like LH, E3G, PdG, and FSH and their metabolites. This system can support users with PCOS, hormone imbalances, or irregular cycles by identifying patterns and ovulation timing, empowering you to optimize your reproductive health and plan for a healthy pregnancy with greater confidence. Understanding your body’s signals is a powerful step toward planning a healthy pregnancy – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Early Warning Signs and Symptoms

Preeclampsia can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms. That’s why understanding early signs – and knowing when to reach out to your provider – can make a meaningful difference.

High blood pressure, even if you feel well, is often one of the first signs. Readings at or above 140/90 mmHg are worth discussing with your doctor. Protein in the urine, detected during routine prenatal checks, can also indicate stress on the kidneys.

Sudden swelling – especially in the hands, face, or feet – or rapid weight gain over a few days may indicate fluid retention, another early sign. These shifts can feel subtle, but they’re important to pay attention to.

As the condition progresses, other symptoms may appear. Persistent headaches that don’t improve with rest, vision changes such as blurriness or flashing lights, or pain under the right rib cage can all signal more advanced stages. New or worsening nausea in mid-to-late pregnancy, shortness of breath, or reduced urination may also be signs that your body needs extra care.

Preeclampsia can also occur after delivery. If you experience severe headaches, visual changes, swelling, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulties in the weeks postpartum, seek medical attention promptly.

Awareness is a powerful tool. The more you understand your body’s signals, the better equipped you are to advocate for your health – and your baby’s.

Common Early Signs

More Severe or Advanced Symptoms

Symptoms After Birth

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Your provider will use a combination of measurements and lab tests to confirm preeclampsia.

• Blood pressure readings: Consistent measurements of 140/90 mmHg or higher, taken at least four hours apart.

• Urine dipstick: A protein urine test that checks for protein in the urine, which signals kidney strain.

• Blood tests: A look at platelet count, liver enzymes, and kidney function to assess organ health.

• Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) test: Measures a key marker of placental health that can help identify early changes.

• Fetal ultrasound and heart monitoring: Tracks the baby’s growth, movements, and heart rate patterns.

Panorama Lab Test: Panorama’s hormone and metabolic panels aren’t intended to diagnose preeclampsia, but they offer valuable insights into your overall health that may help uncover root causes of hormonal stress while TTC. By analyzing markers related to ovarian function, thyroid health, and more, Panorama can help identify imbalances such as PCOS that may increase the risk of high blood pressure and insulin resistance leading to complications before or during pregnancy. These comprehensive lab tests can guide proactive steps to support a healthier pregnancy journey.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia begins in the placenta, where blood flow from the mother to the baby is crucial. In early pregnancy, blood vessels that nourish the placenta form abnormally. This causes restricted blood flow, oxidative stress, and the formation of microclots in blood vessels.

The result? Your body reacts systemically – with high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and strain on organs like the kidneys and liver.

Experts believe several factors may contribute:

• Genetics

• Immune system irregularities

• Poor placental development

• Hormonal imbalances

What Are the Risks and Complications?

Preeclampsia can impact both your well-being and your baby’s development, especially if it goes undetected or untreated. But with early monitoring and thoughtful care, most complications can be managed or even prevented. Knowing the potential risks allows you and your provider to plan ahead with confidence and clarity.

If you're trying to conceive and want to support a healthy pregnancy from the start, Mira’s Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility offers personalized, data-driven care to help you optimize your hormone balance before pregnancy. The clinic can support you in managing conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, thyroid issues, and stress-related hormone disruptions – all of which may increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia. With lab-guided insights and expert guidance, Mira helps you build a strong hormonal foundation for a smoother conception and pregnancy journey.

Complications for the Mother

In rare or severe cases, preeclampsia may lead to additional health concerns. These are often preventable with regular care and early intervention:

• Eclampsia: A severe complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures and requires emergency intervention to protect both mother and baby.

• HELLP syndrome: A dangerous combination of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets that are associated with liver damage and increased bleeding risk.

• Stroke: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to maternal stroke, especially in severe preeclampsia or untreated cases.

• Organ damage: Prolonged high blood pressure can damage organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain, resulting in lasting effects.

• DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation): A rare but serious condition where the body’s clotting system becomes overactive, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Complications for the Baby

Your baby’s health is closely tied to how well the placenta functions during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can affect this, especially when it develops early or progresses quickly.

• Growth restriction (IUGR): Limited blood flow to the placenta can prevent the baby from growing at a healthy rate, leading to low birth weight.

• Premature birth: If the pregnancy can’t safely continue, early delivery may be necessary, which can bring added risks and require NICU support.

• NICU care: Babies born early or with complications may need specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit.

• Stillbirth: While rare, preeclampsia does increase the risk of stillbirth, making early detection and close monitoring essential.

How Is Preeclampsia Treated or Managed?

The right treatment plan for preeclampsia depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and how serious your symptoms are. The goal is always to protect both your health and your baby’s through close monitoring, thoughtful intervention, and collaborative care with your healthcare team.

In many cases, preeclampsia can be managed with close observation, either at home or in a hospital setting. Your provider may prescribe antihypertensive medications, such as labetalol, nifedipine, or methyldopa, to help lower blood pressure and reduce strain on your organs. If there’s a risk of seizures, magnesium sulfate may be used as a preventive measure. And if early delivery is being considered, corticosteroids may be given to help your baby’s lungs mature more quickly, improving outcomes after birth.

When is early delivery needed?

If your preeclampsia symptoms are severe or the baby is not growing well, your doctor may recommend induction or a C-section before your due date to protect both of you.

For those at increased risk of complications like preeclampsia, consistent daily nutrition with Mira Prenatals can be a simple but powerful way to care for both your body and your baby. Mira’s high-quality prenatal vitamins are thoughtfully formulated with essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, and vitamin D – all of which support healthy blood vessels, hormone balance, and overall pregnancy wellness.

What Happens After Delivery?

For many, pre-eclampsia symptoms improve after childbirth – but postpartum care is still essential, as there are sometimes cases of postpartum preeclampsia.

• Blood pressure may remain elevated for days or weeks

• You might need medications temporarily

• NICU support may be needed if your baby was premature

• A 6-week follow-up is critical to track your recovery

• You may be at higher risk of heart disease or high blood pressure later in life

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t feel right, trust your instincts. Prompt care can make all the difference when it comes to preeclampsia.

Reach out to your provider – or go to the nearest emergency room – if you notice:

• Sudden swelling in your face or hands
  

• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or flashing lights
  

• A severe or persistent headache that doesn’t ease with rest
  

• Pain under your ribs, especially on the right side
  

• Chest discomfort or difficulty breathing

Even if you’re not sure what’s normal, it’s always okay to speak up. Your concerns are valid, and your voice matters. You deserve care that listens, respects, and responds.

Summary: Preeclampsia Is Serious – But Treatable with Early Care

Preeclampsia can feel overwhelming, but knowledge and early action are powerful tools. With regular prenatal checkups, attentive monitoring, and a care team you trust, most people with preeclampsia go on to have healthy pregnancies and recover fully. Knowing the signs of preeclampsia and speaking up when something feels off can make a huge difference.

If you’re trying to conceive, preparing your body now can lower your risk later. For those at risk, low-dose aspirin or other preventive care may be recommended. From tracking your hormones with the Mira Monitor to supporting daily wellness with Mira Prenatals, we’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and in control every step of the way.