Warning Signs Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that affects blood pressure and can impact multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can progress quickly without clear warning in some patients.

According to the World Health Organization, preeclampsia occurs in approximately one in 25 pregnancies in the United States. While many individuals go on to have healthy pregnancies with appropriate monitoring and care, early recognition is critical to reducing risk for both mother and baby.

Because symptoms can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, understanding the signs of preeclampsia and staying consistent with prenatal care plays an important role in early detection and management, especially in high-risk pregnancy cases.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, often accompanied by signs that organs may not be functioning normally. It is most commonly diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation, although it can also occur postpartum in some cases.

The condition is believed to originate in the placenta, where abnormal blood vessel development may reduce blood flow. This can place stress on both maternal organs and fetal development. In more severe cases, preeclampsia can progress to complications such as seizures (eclampsia), stroke or organ dysfunction if not carefully monitored.

Preeclampsia may be classified as mild or severe depending on blood pressure levels and the extent of organ involvement. Even mild cases require close surveillance, as progression can be unpredictable.

Why Early Detection Matters

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related complications worldwide. It can affect growth and oxygen delivery to the baby while also placing strain on the mother’s cardiovascular and organ systems.

“One of the most important things expectant mothers can do is attend every prenatal appointment, even if they feel well,” Marie M. Darby, MD, at Hattiesburg Clinic Maternal Fetal Medicine said. “Preeclampsia doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms early on, and routine blood pressure checks and screening can help us identify concerns before they become more serious.”

One of the challenges of the condition is that symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Some individuals may not notice any symptoms at all in the early stages, which is why routine prenatal visits, blood pressure checks and lab monitoring are essential throughout pregnancy.

Early identification allows providers to closely monitor both mother and baby and determine the safest timing for delivery if needed.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia symptoms can vary widely and may resemble typical conditions of pregnancy, which can make recognition difficult without medical evaluation. Dr. Darby explained, “Many of the symptoms of preeclampsia can seem like normal pregnancy discomforts, which is why we encourage patients to trust their instincts. If something feels different or concerning, it’s always better to contact your provider and be evaluated rather than wait.”

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent or severe headaches
  • Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, flashing lights or sensitivity to light
  • Swelling in the face, hands or around the eyes
  • Sudden or rapid weight gain over a short period
  • Pain in the upper abdomen, particularly under the ribs on the right side
  • Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Decreased urine output

Because these symptoms can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, it is important not to dismiss new or worsening concerns. Any sudden or severe symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, but it is generally associated with abnormal development of blood vessels in the placenta early in pregnancy. This can reduce blood flow and trigger changes in blood pressure and organ function.

Preeclampsia risk factors may include:

  • First pregnancy
  • History of preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy
  • Chronic hypertension
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Maternal age over 35
  • Multifetal pregnancies such as twins or triplets
  • Autoimmune conditions

These risk factors do not guarantee that the condition will occur, but they do increase the need for closer monitoring throughout pregnancy.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Preeclampsia?

Certain individuals may require additional surveillance due to an increased risk profile. High-risk pregnancy care is often recommended when multiple factors are present.

Patients at higher risk may include those with a history of hypertension or preeclampsia, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease or those carrying more than one fetus. Individuals with these risk factors may benefit from more frequent prenatal visits, specialized imaging and closer fetal growth monitoring.

Early involvement of a maternal fetal medicine specialist can help guide care planning and ensure appropriate monitoring strategies are in place throughout pregnancy.

Can Preeclampsia Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, but early and consistent prenatal care can significantly improve outcomes. Prevention strategies focus on identifying risk factors early and managing underlying health conditions.

“We can often reduce the risk of serious complications through close monitoring, individualized care and timely intervention. Our goal is always to protect the health of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy,” Darby said.

Supportive measures may include:

  • Low-dose aspirin during pregnancy for individuals at increased risk
  • Regular blood pressure monitoring
  • Management of chronic conditions before and during pregnancy
  • Routine lab testing when indicated
  • Monitoring fetal growth and development

Understanding how to prevent preeclampsia involves ongoing communication between the patient and care team, along with early recognition of changes in health status.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Prompt evaluation is important if symptoms develop. Severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain or shortness of breath should not be ignored during pregnancy.

In many cases, patients with suspected or confirmed preeclampsia are referred to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for advanced monitoring and care. These specialists are trained to manage complex pregnancy conditions and coordinate care to support the safest possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

The maternal fetal medicine specialist at Hattiesburg Clinic has advanced training in the management of complicated pregnancies and works closely with high-risk mothers-to-be to manage complex conditions, including preeclampsia.

Our specialist works alongside obstetricians and gynecologists for a true team approach when it comes to your care. When complications occur during a pregnancy, you can be assured that you are in good hands with the maternal fetal medicine team at Hattiesburg Clinic.

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About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.