Understanding Pre-Eclampsia: The Crucial Role of Awareness, Risk Factors, and Prevention in Ensuring Maternal and Infant Health

What is Pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy that affects the mother and the developing baby. Early signs include high maternal blood pressure and, more often than not, protein in the urine. This condition usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnant women worldwide (Dimitriadis et al., 2023). Early detection of pre-eclampsia is crucial in preventing pregnancy complications and long-term health problems (Montgomery et al., 2024).

If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious health issues, including premature birth, organ failure, and in extreme cases, the death of the mother or baby (ACOG, 2022). Pre-eclampsia can be scary to think about, but being informed about its warning signs, prevention, and treatment options can help you stay calm and be proactive.

Risk Factors for Pre-Eclampsia

While the exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not entirely understood, several factors can increase a woman’s risk for developing this condition:

First-time pregnancies: First-time moms are at a higher risk (ACOG, 2022).
Age: Women under 20 or over 40 may be at greater risk (ACOG, 2022).
Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins or multiples increases the risk (ACOG, 2022).
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia (ACOG, 2022).
Family history: If your mother or sister had pre-eclampsia, you are at a higher risk (ACOG, 2022).
Chronic conditions: Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease can increase the risk (ACOG, 2022).

Warning Signs of Pre-Eclampsia

The warning signs of pre-eclampsia are not always obvious, but it’s crucial to be aware of them so you can seek medical attention early. Some common symptoms include:

High blood pressure: One of the first signs is an increase in blood pressure, typically above 140/90 mm Hg (ACOG, 2022). Regular prenatal checkups are essential for detecting this.
Swelling: While mild swelling (edema) is common in pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling of the hands, feet, or face can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (Carter et al., 2021).
Protein in the urine: This is a key indicator. The kidneys may start to leak protein into the urine due to damage, which is often detected during routine urine tests at your healthcare provider's office (Carter et al., 2021).
Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches which don’t go away with usual pain relievers can be another sign (Carter et al., 2021).
Vision problems: Blurred vision, seeing spots, or temporary loss of vision are common symptoms that may indicate pre-eclampsia (Carter et al., 2021).
Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, below the ribs, can be an indicator of liver damage, a sign of severe pre-eclampsia (ACOG, 2022).
Sudden weight gain: Rapid weight gain (over 2-3 pounds per week) due to fluid retention can also be a warning sign (ACOG, 2022).

Unfortunately, many women may not experience any noticeable symptoms, making regular prenatal care visits vital for early detection. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection and management can help prevent complications.

Pre-eclampsia prevention — Prenatal care is essential for the prevention of pre-eclampsia.

Prevention of Pre-Eclampsia

While it’s not always possible to prevent pre-eclampsia, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Prenatal care: Regular prenatal checkups are crucial for monitoring your blood pressure, urine protein levels, and overall health (Montgomery et al., 2024).
Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods low in sodium (salt) and saturated fats can be beneficial in preventing and managing pre-eclampsia. Research has also shown that specific nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, support healthy cardiac function and can help reduce blood pressure (Nadeem et al., 2025). Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming or yoga can improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress, which is beneficial to managing blood pressure (Nadeem et al., 2025).
Manage chronic conditions: Collaborating with your healthcare provider to manage medical conditions such as pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease before and during pregnancy can significantly lower the chance of developing pre-eclampsia (Montgomery et al., 2024).
Take low-dose aspirin: Many healthcare providers recommend that women at high risk of pre-eclampsia take low-dose aspirin (81 mg) daily, starting in the second trimester, to reduce the risk (ACOG, 2020).
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps with blood circulation and can prevent dehydration, which may exacerbate high blood pressure (Montgomery et al., 2024).

Treatment Options for Pre-Eclampsia

The treatment for pre-eclampsia depends on how severe the condition is and how far along the pregnancy is. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for mild cases through regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and medication. However, if pre-eclampsia becomes more severe, treatment options can include:

Medications: Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure or prevent seizures (e.g., magnesium sulfate) (Montgomery et al., 2024).
Bed rest: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest to reduce the pressure on your body (ACOG, 2020).
Early delivery: If the condition worsens or the health of the mother or baby is at risk, the only definitive cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery. If the baby is not yet full-term, doctors may try to delay delivery and provide treatments to help the baby develop, but premature birth may be necessary to save both lives (ACOG, 2020).

Pre-eclampsia is a serious but manageable condition during pregnancy. By understanding its symptoms, risks, and treatment options, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and the health of your baby. Regular prenatal care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and knowing when to seek help are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Remember: your doctor or midwife is your best ally in keeping you and your baby safe. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself throughout this special time.

Parent Resources

Sarah Lavonne talks about Pre-eclampsia (Part 1)

Sarah Lavonne talks about Pre-eclampsia (Part 2)

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (April, 2022). Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

Dimitriadis, E., Rolnik, D. L., Zhou, W., Estrada-Gutierrez, G., Koga, K., Francisco, R. P., Whitehead, C., Hyett, J., da Silvia Costa, F., Nicolaides, K. & Menkhorst, E. (2023). Pre-eclampsia. Nature reviews Disease primers, 9(1), 8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-023-00417-6

Chappell, L. C., Cluver, C. A., Kingdom, J., & Tong, S. (2021). Pre-eclampsia. The Lancet, 398(10297), 341-354. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673620323357

Carter, W., Bick, D., Mackintosh, N., & Sandall, J. (2021). Maternal help seeking about early warning signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia: a qualitative study of experiences of women and their families. Midwifery, 7(98), 102992. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613821000711

Montgomery, K. S., Hensley, C., Winseman, A., Marshall, C., & Robles, A. (2024). A Systematic Review of Complications Following Pre-eclampsia. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 28(11), 1876-1885.

Nadeem, M., Javed, K., Abid, H. M. R., Hussain, A., & Khalid, N. (2025). A review of dietary and lifestyle management of pre-eclampsia and postpartum eclampsia. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 30(1), 1. https://www.pnfs.or.kr/journal/view.html?doi=10.3746/pnf.2025.30.1.1