Understanding preeclampsia
Pregnancy is full of unknowns—but being informed helps you navigate those unknowns with confidence. One condition that many mums hear about but don’t fully understand is preeclampsia.
While the word can sound intimidating, understanding the signs, risks, and when to seek help can make all the difference. Let this article guide you gently through what preeclampsia is, why it matters, and how you can advocate for your wellbeing during the third trimester and beyond.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that typically develops after 20 weeks, often in the third trimester. It involves high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, most often the liver and kidneys. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications if not managed early.
Preeclampsia can affect both mum and baby, but with prompt care and monitoring, most women go on to have healthy births.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve problems with the placenta—the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
When the placenta doesn’t develop properly or struggles to support the pregnancy, it may trigger an inflammatory response that affects your blood vessels and organs.
Certain factors can increase the risk, including:
- First pregnancy
- History of high blood pressure or kidney disease
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- A personal or family history of preeclampsia
- Being over 35
- Obesity or certain underlying health conditions
Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Some women experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular prenatal visits and blood pressure checks are essential.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Persistent headaches
- Swelling in the face, hands, or around the eyes (especially sudden or severe)
- Upper abdominal pain (often under the ribs on the right side)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision, seeing spots, or sensitivity to light
- Sudden weight gain not related to eating
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure readings (140/90 mmHg or higher)
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or midwife immediately. It’s always better to be cautious.
How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?
Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed through:
- Blood pressure checks
- Urine tests to check for protein (proteinuria)
- Blood tests to assess liver and kidney function
- Monitoring baby’s growth and movement with ultrasounds and fetal monitoring
If your provider suspects preeclampsia, they may increase the frequency of your check-ups, recommend lifestyle adjustments, or in some cases, recommend early delivery if the condition becomes severe.
What Are the Risks If Left Untreated?
Without treatment, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a serious condition that causes seizures. It can also lead to:
- Organ damage in the mother
- Poor growth in the baby due to reduced blood flow from the placenta
- Placental abruption (where the placenta detaches too early)
- Preterm birth
The good news is that early detection and medical care can dramatically reduce these risks.
How Is Preeclampsia Managed?
Management depends on how far along you are and how severe the condition is:
- Mild preeclampsia may be managed at home with rest, monitoring, and regular check-ins
- Severe preeclampsia often requires hospitalisation, medications to lower blood pressure or prevent seizures, and close monitoring of you and baby
- If you are near term, your provider may recommend inducing labour or scheduling a C-section to protect both of you
The only “cure” for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, but symptoms usually begin to resolve within a few days postpartum.
Can You Prevent Preeclampsia?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, but you can reduce risk by:
- Attending all prenatal appointments
- Tracking your blood pressure if advised
- Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated
- Reporting any concerning symptoms promptly
- Following your provider’s advice around weight management and exercise
Some women at high risk may be prescribed low-dose aspirin from early pregnancy, so speak to your doctor if you have concerns.
Your Role: Awareness and Advocacy
Preeclampsia can feel scary, but with the right care and awareness, most women and babies do well. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, seek support. Your voice matters.
Take note of your body, write down symptoms, and never hesitate to ask questions at your check-ups. You are the expert on how you feel.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a powerful and complex journey. While preeclampsia is a serious condition, it’s also manageable with timely care and knowledge. You’re already doing the most important thing—paying attention, learning, and showing up for yourself and your baby.
At Bump2Baby, we believe every mum deserves information without fear, support without judgment, and care that truly listens.