Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It causes high blood pressure and can damage organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain. Left untreated, it puts both the pregnant person and the baby at risk.
The good news: when caught early, preeclampsia is manageable. Your OB-GYN monitors for it at every prenatal visit through blood pressure readings and urine tests. Knowing the warning signs yourself gives you an extra layer of protection.
In Arizona, maternal-fetal medicine specialists are available at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Tucson Medical Center, and other major hospital systems. Rural patients can access high-risk pregnancy consultations through telehealth programs statewide.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
Researchers believe preeclampsia starts with the placenta. In some pregnancies, the blood vessels that supply the placenta do not develop properly. This leads to reduced blood flow, which triggers widespread inflammation and blood vessel damage throughout the body.
The exact cause is still not fully understood. What doctors do know is that certain factors increase your risk, and early detection makes a significant difference in outcomes.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Risk factors include a first pregnancy, history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, chronic high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), obesity, age over 35 or under 20, and carrying multiples (twins or more). A family history of preeclampsia also raises your risk.
Women who are Black, Native American, or Alaska Native face disproportionately higher rates of preeclampsia and related complications. This is especially relevant in Arizona, where Native American communities may have limited access to high-risk obstetric care.
Low-Dose Aspirin May Help Prevent It
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends daily low-dose aspirin (81 mg) starting after 12 weeks of pregnancy for people at high risk. Studies show this reduces the chance of preeclampsia by about 24%. Talk to your OB-GYN about whether low-dose aspirin is right for you. Do not start it on your own.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Preeclampsia sometimes develops without obvious symptoms, which is why prenatal visits are critical. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent headaches that do not respond to medication, vision changes (blurriness, seeing spots, light sensitivity), upper abdominal pain (especially under the right ribs), sudden swelling of the face or hands, nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy, and sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a week).
Some of these overlap with normal pregnancy discomfort. The difference is severity and sudden onset. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call your provider.
Call 911 Immediately If You Experience These
Seek emergency care right away if you have a severe headache that will not go away, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, seizures (this is eclampsia, a medical emergency), vision loss, or severe upper abdominal pain. Do not drive yourself. In Arizona, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room. Time matters with preeclampsia complications.
How Preeclampsia Is Monitored
Once diagnosed, your care team will monitor you closely. This includes frequent blood pressure checks (sometimes daily), blood tests to check kidney and liver function, platelet counts, urine protein measurements, and ultrasounds to track your baby's growth and amniotic fluid levels.
You may also be asked to do daily fetal kick counts at home. Your provider will tell you what numbers to watch for and when to call.
Treatment and Delivery Decisions
The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery. The timing depends on how severe the condition is and how far along you are. For mild cases after 37 weeks, your provider will likely recommend induction. For severe cases before 34 weeks, the goal is to stabilize you with medications and give the baby more time to develop, possibly with steroid injections to speed up lung maturity.
Medications like magnesium sulfate help prevent seizures. Blood pressure medications keep readings in a safe range. Hospital bed rest may be recommended for closer monitoring.
After Delivery: The Recovery
Blood pressure usually improves within a few days to weeks after delivery. Some people develop postpartum preeclampsia, which can occur up to six weeks after giving birth. Continue monitoring your blood pressure at home and report any symptoms to your provider.
Having preeclampsia increases your long-term risk of heart disease and stroke. Let every healthcare provider you see in the future know about your history. Annual blood pressure checks and heart-healthy habits are especially important.
Postpartum Warning Signs Checklist
- Blood pressure reading above 140/90 at home
- Headache that is severe or will not go away
- Vision changes or seeing spots
- Swelling of the face or hands after delivery
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Sudden weight gain after delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk for high-risk individuals. Attending all prenatal appointments, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure also help.
Will I get preeclampsia again in my next pregnancy?
Having preeclampsia in one pregnancy increases your risk in future pregnancies. The recurrence rate is roughly 15-20%. Early prenatal care and preventive measures like low-dose aspirin can help manage this risk.
Is preeclampsia the same as gestational hypertension?
They are related but different. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure without protein in the urine or organ damage. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure plus signs of organ damage. Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, so monitoring is essential.
Can preeclampsia affect my baby?
Yes. Reduced blood flow to the placenta can slow your baby's growth and lead to low birth weight or preterm delivery. In severe cases, placental abruption (the placenta separating from the uterus) can occur. Close monitoring helps your care team intervene early.
Does AHCCCS cover high-risk pregnancy care in Arizona?
Yes. AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) covers prenatal care, including high-risk pregnancy management, maternal-fetal medicine consultations, and hospital stays related to preeclampsia. Coverage extends through 12 months postpartum.