Complications & Concerns Why Preeclampsia Is Dangerous By Elizabeth Czukas, RN, MSN Elizabeth Czukas, RN, MSN Facebook LinkedIn Elizabeth Czukas is a writer who who has worked as an RN in high-risk obstetrics, antepartum care, and with women undergoing pregnancy loss. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 14, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Meredith Shur, MD Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Ariel Skelley / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Risk Factors Complications High Blood Pressure Symptoms Treatment Link to Pregnancy Loss Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy in which a woman’s blood pressure becomes elevated and protein is found in her urine. The cause is unknown, though there are well-documented risk factors. Risk Factors The risk factors for developing preeclampsia include: History of high blood pressure before pregnancyAge over 40 or under 18ObesityDiabetesFirst pregnancyMultiple pregnancies (twins or more)African American ethnicityOther chronic conditions, such as lupus Complications Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition. Not only are women at risk for long-term health complications, including high blood pressure later in life, preeclampsia is a known risk factor for stillbirth. It is also a contributing factor in many preterm deliveries. Untreated, preeclampsia may become eclampsia, which can be fatal to both mother and baby. Severe preeclampsia may also become HELLP Syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. If not “cured” by delivery, HELLP Syndrome can cause hemorrhage (severe bleeding), pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), kidney failure, liver failure, or death for a woman. HELLP Syndrome may also cause placental abruption. High Blood Pressure vs. Preeclampsia It is possible to have high blood pressure in pregnancy and not have preeclampsia. Some women have chronic hypertension prior to getting pregnant. Some women also develop mildly elevated blood pressure during pregnancy without ever getting the other symptoms of preeclampsia (this is called Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). However, in both of these cases, a woman is at greater risk for developing preeclampsia and should be monitored very closely. Symptoms Symptoms of preeclampsia that may occur include: High blood pressureProtein in the urineA headache, often severeSwelling, especially of the hands, feet, or faceEpigastric pain, or pain in the high center or high right side of the bellyVisual changes, such as spots in front of the eyes or flashing lightsSudden weight gainNausea and vomitingDecreased urine outputAbnormal liver enzymesLow platelets If you have any of the symptoms of preeclampsia, you should be evaluated by a doctor or midwife. Your blood pressure will be checked, and several lab tests will be done. You will have to give a urine sample and some blood will be drawn. Many women do not feel sick at first with preeclampsia. That is one of the reasons it is so important to get regular prenatal care. Your blood pressure will be checked at each visit, as well as your urine for protein. Detecting preeclampsia early may mean the difference between life and death for you or your baby. How to Spot the Signs of Preeclampsia Treatment The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery. If you are already at full term, your doctor will most likely recommend an induction of labor. If you are earlier than 37 weeks, your doctor will have to determine how severe your preeclampsia is to choose the best treatment plan. It is possible to lower the risk of eclampsia (seizure) by giving magnesium sulfate through an IV. This is only a temporary fix, however, and usually only used to keep a woman protected from eclamptic seizure long enough to give steroid injections to mature the fetus’s lungs in preparation for delivery. Steroids are generally given between 24 and 34 weeks gestational age. Link to Pregnancy Loss Preeclampsia is associated with stillbirth but is also a common indication for inducing labor prematurely (before 37 weeks). Prematurity continues to be one of the leading causes of death in infants. Loading shell for quizzesApp1 vue props component in Globe. 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 0 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. Cunningham, F., Gant, N., et al. Williams Obstetrics, 21st Edition. 2001. National Institutes of Health “HELLP Syndrome” U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health “Preeclampsia” U.S. National Library of Medicine.