Signs and Symptoms I Want You to Watch For
Many women with preeclampsia feel completely well, which is why regular prenatal visits are so important. However, I encourage you to contact me immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Persistent or severe headache
Blurred vision, flashing lights, or dark spots in your vision
Pain in the upper right abdomen or below the ribs
Persistent nausea or vomiting after the first half of pregnancy
Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or around your eyes
Rapid weight gain over a few days
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Decreased urine output
Chest pain or severe shoulder pain
If you develop severe symptoms such as very high blood pressure (160/110 mmHg or higher), difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe visual changes, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The Importance of Regular Prenatal Care
Because preeclampsia is often called the “silent” pregnancy complication, many women do not have symptoms until the condition has already progressed. During every prenatal visit, I monitor your blood pressure, weight, urine, and overall health so that I can identify problems before they become serious.
I encourage you to attend every prenatal appointment, ask questions about your results, and share any new symptoms with me, even if they seem minor.
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the earliest and most important warning signs of preeclampsia. I check your blood pressure at every prenatal visit and may recommend home monitoring if you have additional risk factors.
If you are checking your blood pressure at home, measure it at the same time each day while seated comfortably with your arm supported at heart level. Keep a record of your readings and bring them to your appointments. Home monitoring is a valuable tool, but it should never replace regular prenatal care.
Protein in the Urine
Protein in the urine can be a sign that preeclampsia is affecting your kidneys. If needed, I may recommend urine dipstick testing, a protein-to-creatinine ratio, or a 24-hour urine collection to assess kidney function more accurately.
Although proteinuria remains an important finding, preeclampsia can still be diagnosed even if protein is not present when other severe features are identified.
Other Warning Signs
I also encourage you to pay attention to symptoms that may seem like normal pregnancy discomforts but could signal preeclampsia, including:
Sudden swelling of the face or hands
Rapid weight gain caused by fluid retention
Persistent headaches that do not improve with medication
New nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy
Pain under your right ribs or in your right shoulder
Severe lower back pain associated with other symptoms
Blurred vision, flashing lights, or loss of vision
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
These symptoms should never be ignored. If you experience any of them, I encourage you to contact me immediately or seek emergency medical care.
How You Can Help Protect Yourself
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, there are many ways we can work together to support a healthy pregnancy. I encourage you to:
Attend every prenatal appointment.
Monitor your blood pressure if advised.
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
Stay well hydrated and remain physically active as recommended.
Take only medications and supplements that we have discussed together.
Report any new symptoms promptly, even if they seem mild.