Understanding Preeclampsia: What It Is & What to Watch For

Preeclampsia is a word many people hear during pregnancy but may not fully understand. As midwives, we believe in educating and empowering you with knowledge—especially when it comes to conditions that need close monitoring. So let’s break it down together.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that usually develops after 20 weeks gestation. It involves high blood pressure and signs that your organs—especially your liver and kidneys—are under stress. It affects about 5–8% of pregnancies and can range from mild to severe.

If caught early and managed well, most people with preeclampsia go on to have healthy births. The key is knowing the signs and acting quickly.

Who’s at Risk?

While preeclampsia can happen to anyone, certain factors may increase your risk:

  • First-time pregnancy

  • History of preeclampsia or high blood pressure

  • Carrying twins or multiples

  • Being under 20 or over 35 years old

  • Chronic health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

  • Autoimmune disorders like lupus

That said, even people with no risk factors can develop it—so awareness is essential for everyone.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Some signs of preeclampsia can be subtle. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait—contact your midwife or provider right away:

  • Persistent or sudden swelling, especially in your face, hands, or around your eyes

  • Severe headaches that don’t go away with rest or Tylenol

  • Changes in vision like blurred vision, flashing lights, or seeing spots

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (under your ribs)

  • Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sudden weight gain (more than 2–3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week)

  • High blood pressure readings (if you check at home)

  • Decreased baby movement (always call if you feel less than usual)

Many of these symptoms can have other explanations during pregnancy, but in combination, they can point to preeclampsia.

What if Preeclampsia is Suspected?

If preeclampsia is suspected, your care team may:

  • Monitor your blood pressure with blood and urine labs more frequently

  • Recommend rest and hydration

  • Possibly recommend an L&D hospital triage referral as they can receive confirmatory labs back sooner and can do serial blood pressure monitoring to ideally rule out pre-e

  • Transfer your care to a hospital-based provider if preeclampsia is diagnostic

  • An early hospital birth may be needed for your safety if preeclampsia is confirmed

At DFW Community Birth & Wellness, we screen for preeclampsia at every prenatal visit with blood pressure checks and symptom review. Your safety is always our top priority.

Prevention Tips

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, but there are things you can do to lower your risk:

  • Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein, magnesium, calcium, and leafy greens

  • Stay well hydrated

  • Take your prenatal vitamins daily along with a low dose baby aspirin and beet root supplement

  • Get regular gentle movement

  • Attend all prenatal visits, even if you feel great

  • Consider purchasing a blood pressure cuff for at home use

  • Let us know immediately if anything feels “off” to you

You're Not Alone

Preeclampsia can sound scary, but you are not alone. We are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide care that supports your body, your baby, and your peace of mind.

Have questions or think you may be experiencing warning signs? Reach out—early action can make all the difference.

At Home Pressure Monitoring

For accurate Blood pressure readings, please sit with feet on the floor, legs uncrossed, in a quiet room for 5 minutes before taking.

CALL the on-call number with any readings 140/90 or higher or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below:

  • A severe headache that will not go away with rest or OTC medication

  • Severe increase of swelling of hands, lower calves, and feet

  • Visual Disturbances (blurred vision, seeing double, streaking in your vision, etc.

  • Any upper abdominal pain (on the left side or the right side) usually located just below the ribs, and can sometimes feel sharp/stabbing or like indigestion

  • Reduction of urinary output

  • Sudden Nausea/Vomiting