Preeclampsia

Definition

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week (late 2nd or 3rd trimester) of pregnancy.

Symptoms

Often, women who are diagnosed with preeclampsia do not feel sick.

Symptoms of preeclampsia can include:

• Swelling of the hands and face/eyes (edema)
• Weight gain
  • More than 2 pounds per week
  • Sudden weight gain over 1 - 2 days

Note: Some swelling of the feet and ankles is considered normal with pregnancy.

Symptoms of more severe preeclampsia:

• Headaches that are dull or throbbing and will not go away
• Abdominal pain, mostly felt on the right side, underneath the ribs. Pain may also be felt in the right shoulder, and can be confused with heartburn, gallbladder pain, a stomach virus, or the baby kicking
• Agitation
• Decreased urine output, not urinating very often
• Nausea and vomiting (worrisome sign)
• Vision changes -- temporary loss of vision, sensations of flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, spots, and blurry vision

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