Medical Conditions

Preeclampsia Warning Signs

Content reviewed against published ACOG, March of Dimes, Mayo Clinic guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect preeclampsia warning signs, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 5-8% of pregnancies and can range from mild to severe. With regular prenatal monitoring, preeclampsia can be detected early and managed to protect both you and your baby.

Key takeaways

  • Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 5-8% of pregnancies and can range from mild to severe. With regular prenatal monitoring, preeclampsia can be detected early and managed to protect both you and your baby.
  • Usually normal when: Mild swelling in your feet and ankles that improves with rest and elevation (common in normal pregnancy)
  • Call your doctor if: Blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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By Age

What to expect by age

First trimester

Preeclampsia does not develop in the first trimester, but certain risk factors can be identified early. If you have a history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, or are carrying multiples, your provider may recommend low-dose aspirin starting between weeks 12-16 to reduce your risk.

Second trimester

Preeclampsia most commonly begins to develop after 20 weeks. Your blood pressure will be checked at every prenatal visit, and urine may be tested for protein. Warning signs to watch for include persistent headaches, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, and sudden swelling of your face or hands. Report any of these symptoms to your provider immediately.

Third trimester

The third trimester is when preeclampsia most commonly presents. It can develop gradually or suddenly. If diagnosed, your provider will monitor you closely with blood pressure checks, blood tests, and fetal monitoring. Mild preeclampsia may be managed with close monitoring, while severe preeclampsia often requires earlier delivery. The cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta.

Postpartum

Preeclampsia can develop or worsen in the postpartum period, typically within 48 hours of delivery but sometimes up to 6 weeks later. Continue to monitor for symptoms such as severe headaches, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, and significant swelling. Postpartum preeclampsia is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Mild swelling in your feet and ankles that improves with rest and elevation (common in normal pregnancy)
  • Occasional mild headaches that respond to rest and hydration
  • Blood pressure readings that remain within normal range at prenatal visits
  • Trace amounts of protein in urine without elevated blood pressure
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You notice sudden swelling of your face or hands that is new or worsening
  • You have persistent headaches that do not improve with acetaminophen and rest
  • You have a blood pressure reading above 130/80 at home
Act now when...
  • Blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading
  • You experience severe persistent headache, vision changes (seeing spots, flashing lights, blurry vision), or severe upper abdominal pain (especially right side under the ribs)

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Preeclampsia Warning Signs.

Things to mention

  • You notice sudden swelling of your face or hands that is new or worsening
  • You have persistent headaches that do not improve with acetaminophen and rest
  • You have a blood pressure reading above 130/80 at home

Observations to share

  • You notice sudden swelling of your face or hands that is new or worsening
  • You have persistent headaches that do not improve with acetaminophen and rest
  • You have a blood pressure reading above 130/80 at home

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading
  • You experience severe persistent headache, vision changes (seeing spots, flashing lights, blurry vision), or severe upper abdominal pain (especially right side under the ribs)

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is preeclampsia warning signs normal?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 5-8% of pregnancies and can range from mild to severe. With regular prenatal monitoring, preeclampsia can be detected early and managed to protect both you and your baby.
When should I call the doctor about preeclampsia warning signs?
Blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading You experience severe persistent headache, vision changes (seeing spots, flashing lights, blurry vision), or severe upper abdominal pain (especially right side under the ribs)
When is preeclampsia warning signs normal?
Mild swelling in your feet and ankles that improves with rest and elevation (common in normal pregnancy) Occasional mild headaches that respond to rest and hydration Blood pressure readings that remain within normal range at prenatal visits
What causes preeclampsia warning signs?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 5-8% of pregnancies and can range from mild to severe. With regular prenatal monitoring, preeclampsia can be detected early and managed to protect both you and your baby. Common explanations include: Mild swelling in your feet and ankles that improves with rest and elevation (common in normal pregnancy). Occasional mild headaches that respond to rest and hydration.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about preeclampsia warning signs?
You should mention preeclampsia warning signs at your next visit if: You notice sudden swelling of your face or hands that is new or worsening. You have persistent headaches that do not improve with acetaminophen and rest. You have a blood pressure reading above 130/80 at home.
Is preeclampsia warning signs normal at First trimester?
Preeclampsia does not develop in the first trimester, but certain risk factors can be identified early. If you have a history of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, or are carrying multiples, your provider may recommend low-dose aspirin starting between weeks 12-16 to reduce your risk.
Is preeclampsia warning signs normal at Second trimester?
Preeclampsia most commonly begins to develop after 20 weeks. Your blood pressure will be checked at every prenatal visit, and urine may be tested for protein. Warning signs to watch for include persistent headaches, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, and sudden swelling of your face or hands. Report any of these symptoms to your provider immediately.
Should I go to the ER for preeclampsia warning signs?
Seek emergency care if blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading, or if you experience severe persistent headache, vision changes (seeing spots, flashing lights, blurry vision), or severe upper abdominal pain (especially right side under the ribs). When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does preeclampsia warning signs go away on its own?
In many cases, preeclampsia warning signs resolves on its own, especially when mild swelling in your feet and ankles that improves with rest and elevation (common in normal pregnancy). By Postpartum, preeclampsia can develop or worsen in the postpartum period, typically within 48 hours of delivery but sometimes up to 6 weeks later. Continue to monitor for symptoms such as severe headaches, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, and significant swelling. Postpartum preeclampsia is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
ACOGMARCH OF DIMESMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. ACOG FAQ, 2022. ACOG
  2. [2]March of Dimes. Preeclampsia. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Preeclampsia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic, 2023. Mayo Clinic

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of preeclampsia warning signs are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if blood pressure is 160/110 or higher on any reading.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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