Preeclampsia Signs and Symptoms

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum

period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the

urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, head aches and changes in vision are importantsymptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

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Typically, preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd

trimesters or middle to late pregnancy) and up to six weeks postpartum (after delivery), though in rare cases it can occur earlier than 20 weeks and affects about 1 in 20 pregnancies. Proper prenatal care is essential to diagnose and manage preeclampsia. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension(PIH) and toxemia are outdated terms for preeclampsia. H.E.L.L.P syndrome and eclampsia (seizures) are other variants of preeclampsia. 

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Globally, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.