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Preeclampsia: Signs & Management Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving new-onset high blood pressure after 20 weeks, often with protein in the urine or signs of organ dysfunction. It can affect the brain, liver, kidneys, placenta, and baby, so early detection and monitoring are important. 🔹 Core clinical features ➟ Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks ➟ Protein in urine may be present ➟ Kidney, liver, brain, blood, or placental problems can occur ➟ Some women initially have no noticeable symptoms 🔹 Common signs ➟ Persistent or severe headache ➟ Blurred vision, flashing lights, or seeing spots ➟ Sudden swelling of the face or hands ➟ Upper abdominal/right-sided rib pain ➟ Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy ➟ Shortness of breath 🔹 Common risk factors ➟ Previous preeclampsia ➟ Chronic hypertension or kidney disease ➟ Diabetes or autoimmune disease ➟ First pregnancy or multiple pregnancy ➟ Obesity and some maternal-age groups 🔹 Diagnosis ➟ Repeated blood-pressure measurements ➟ Urine testing for protein ➟ Blood tests for platelets, kidney and liver function ➟ Ultrasound and other fetal monitoring when indicated 🔹 Core management ➟ Close monitoring of mother and baby ➟ Antihypertensive medicines when needed ➟ Magnesium sulfate may be given in severe cases to prevent seizures ➟ Corticosteroids may be used when early preterm delivery is anticipated ➟ Delivery is the definitive treatment; timing depends on severity and gestational age 🔹 Possible complications ➟ Eclampsia — seizures ➟ HELLP syndrome ➟ Stroke or organ damage ➟ Placental abruption ➟ Poor fetal growth or premature birth 🔹 Lifestyle / self-care ➟ Attend all prenatal appointments ➟ Monitor blood pressure at home if advised ➟ Pay attention to fetal movements as instructed ➟ Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed 🔹 What not to do ➟ Don't ignore new headaches or vision changes ➟ Don't stop blood-pressure medicines without medical advice ➟ Don't start aspirin on your own ➟ Don't rely on bed rest or home remedies instead of medical monitoring 🔹 Emergency / referral warning ➟ BP ≥160/110 mmHg requires urgent medical assessment ➟ Severe persistent headache or major vision changes ➟ Severe upper abdominal pain ➟ Difficulty breathing, seizure, or rapidly worsening symptoms ➟ Seek urgent obstetric care for these warning signs. 🔹 High-Yield Points ➟ Usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy ➟ High BP may be the first detected sign ➟ Proteinuria is not required in every case if other organ dysfunction is present ➟ Severe preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia or HELLP syndrome ➟ Timely monitoring and delivery when indicated greatly reduce serious complications Medical disclaimer: This note is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.