What are the main signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?

Many pregnant people do not experience any symptoms of preeclampsia. Thus, monitoring for the signs of the condition is important. The main signs are a consistent elevation in blood pressure and protein in the urine. Other signs of organ damage that may be present include a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), elevated liver enzymes, and increased serum creatinine.

Sometimes, people do experience symptoms, especially when the preeclampsia is severe. These include generalized swelling or swollen feet; new-onset headaches that don’t go away; visual changes (blurred vision and/or partial loss of vision); new-onset shortness of breath; pain in the mid- or right-upper quadrant of the abdomen (may feel like heartburn); reduced urinary output; and even changes in mental status (like confusion or agitation). ^[1] An ultrasound may show fetal signs of preeclampsia, like slowed growth of the fetus, low levels of amniotic fluid, and decreased blood flow through the umbilical cord.^[2][3]

Any change or worsening in the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia should be reported immediately to a clinician, as severe preeclampsia is life-threatening to both the pregnant parent and the baby.