Complications & Concerns The Differences Between Mild and Severe Preeclampsia By Craig O. Weber, MD Craig O. Weber, MD, is a board-certified occupational specialist who has practiced for over 36 years. Learn about our editorial process Craig O. Weber, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG on May 08, 2020 Brian Levine, MD, MS, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Review Board Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG on May 08, 2020 Print JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder that can be dangerous for both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The disorder is not very common, affecting about 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies. However, it can progress rapidly, and lead to serious complications and even death for both a mother and her unborn baby. Overview There is no treatment for preeclampsia; the only cure is delivery of the baby. Therefore, the more severe the condition is and the earlier it occurs in a pregnancy, the more difficult it is to manage. Balancing the needs of continued gestation for the baby and the risks the disease poses to both mother and baby is the challenge for women with the condition and their physician. The main features of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the extremities. Patients may notice sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision, but many women experience no symptoms at all. An Overview of Pregnancy Complications Mild vs. Severe Preeclampsia Typically, preeclampsia is categorized by its severity, and distinguishing between mild and severe preeclampsia is important because the management strategies are very different. Mild preeclampsia is diagnosed when: 0.3g of protein is collected in a 24-hour urine sample or persistent 1+ protein measurement on urine dipstickBlood pressure is greater than 140 systolic or 90 diastolicPregnancy is greater than 20 weeksThere are no other signs of problems with the mother or the baby Severe preeclampsia is a more serious problem. Diagnosis of severe preeclampsia requires the basic features of mild preeclampsia as well as some indication of additional problems with either the mother or the baby. Thus, one of the following findings is also necessary for a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia: At least twice the normal measurements of certain liver enzymes on a blood testGreater than 5g of protein in a 24-hour sampleSigns of central nervous system problems (a severe headache, blurry vision, altered mental status)Severe fetal growth restrictionSigns of liver problems (nausea and/or vomiting with abdominal pain)Signs of respiratory problems (pulmonary edema, bluish tint to the skin)StrokeThrombocytopenia (low platelet count)Very high blood pressure ( greater than 160 systolic or 110 diastolic)Very low urine output (less than 500mL in 24 hours) An Overview of High-Risk Pregnancies Other Blood Pressure Disorders Preeclampsia is one of numerous disorders related to high blood pressure during pregnancy, including: Chronic hypertension, high blood pressure that was documented prior to pregnancy or that occurs before 20 weeks gestation. Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, which is diagnosed in women who had chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy and then develop an exacerbation of their high blood pressure along with protein in the urine or other signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy.Gestational hypertension, which features high blood pressure during pregnancy but not excess protein in their urine or signs of damage to other organs. However, some women with gestational hypertension will go on to develop preeclampsia. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Schroeder BM. ACOG practice bulletin on diagnosing and managing preeclampsia and eclampsia. Am Fam Physician. 2002;66(2):330. English FA, Kenny LC, Mccarthy FP. Risk factors and effective management of preeclampsia. Integr Blood Press Control. 2015;8:7-12. doi:10.2147/IBPC.S50641 Mammaro A, Carrara S, Cavaliere A, et al. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Prenat Med. 2009;3(1):1-5. PMID: 22439030 Additional Reading Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin #33, January 2002.