Severe headache
A persistent headache that doesn't ease with usual remedies, especially if new in pregnancy or postpartum.
Home / Preeclampsia 101
The BasicsPreeclampsia 101 — what every mother should know.
A guide to what preeclampsia is, the warning signs to watch for, and why recognizing it early during pregnancy or after delivery can save lives.
About the condition
A high blood pressure condition that deserves early attention.
Preeclampsia is marked by high blood pressure and, often, signs that the body's organs, such as the kidneys and liver, are under strain. Recognized early, it's very treatable.
During pregnancy, preeclampsia can often be caught at routine antenatal visits, where your provider checks your blood pressure and urine. Make a point to discuss your risk and any symptoms with your healthcare provider at every appointment.
Postpartum preeclampsia appears after the baby is born, usually within 48 hours, but sometimes up to six weeks later. Because new parents are focused on the baby, postpartum symptoms are easy to dismiss. They should never be ignored.
Tracking your blood pressure at appointments and, when advised, at home is one of the most powerful ways to catch preeclampsia early.
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High blood pressure threshold (mmHg)
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Typically after 20 weeks of pregnancy
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Most postpartum cases within 48 hours
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Stay alert through six weeks postpartum
Warning Signs
Symptoms to call your care team about — during pregnancy or after delivery.
Vision changes
Blurred vision, light sensitivity, seeing spots, or temporary vision loss should always be reported right away.
Upper-belly pain
Pain under the ribs on the right side. Easy to mistake for indigestion. Never assume it's nothing.
Sudden swelling
New swelling in the face, hands, or feet, especially if it appears quickly or worsens over hours.
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing that wasn't there before. It can signal fluid in the lungs and is an urgent symptom.
Nausea & vomiting
New nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy or after birth. If paired with other symptoms, call right away.
Seek care immediately if…
You have a severe headache, vision changes, trouble breathing, upper-belly pain, or seizure — during pregnancy or after delivery.
Postpartum Window
What to watch for in the weeks after delivery.
01 Know your baseline
Before you leave the hospital, ask what your blood pressure readings were and what
range is normal for you. Knowing your baseline makes it far easier to recognize a
meaningful rise once you're home and caring for a newborn.
02 Measure at home if advised
If your provider recommends home monitoring, use a validated upper-arm cuff. Sit
quietly for five minutes first, feet flat on the floor, back supported, and arm
resting at heart level. Take readings at the same times each day and write them
down to share at your next visit.
03 140/90 or higher? Call the same day
A reading of 140/90 or higher, taken correctly at rest, deserves a
same-day call to your care team. Don't wait for your next appointment. A reading of
160/110 or higher is an emergency, so call 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room.
04 Keep monitoring through six weeks
Postpartum preeclampsia most often appears within the first 48 hours, but it can
develop up to six weeks after delivery. Stay alert to symptoms
throughout that entire window, even if your pregnancy and birth were uncomplicated.
05 Trust your instincts
A new or severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, upper-belly pain, or
trouble breathing always deserves a call, every time, with no apology needed. You
know your body best, and speaking up early can save your life.
Know your numbers
Tracking your blood pressure, at appointments and, when advised, at home, is one of the most powerful ways to catch preeclampsia early.