Swelling to the Brink? Why Preeclampsia Isn't Normal — and Your Medically Approved Next Steps

Swelling during pregnancy is common. But when swelling comes with high blood pressure and other warning signs, it may be preeclampsia — a serious pregnancy condition that should never be ignored.

Preeclampsia is not just "normal pregnancy swelling." It is a medical disorder that can affect multiple organs and, without treatment, can become life-threatening for both mother and baby. The good news? When recognized early and managed properly, outcomes are often very good.

Let's break down what preeclampsia really is, why it happens, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do next.

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What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by:

• High blood pressure (usually after 20 weeks of pregnancy)
• Signs of organ stress or damage, often involving the kidneys or liver
• Sometimes protein in the urine

It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, most often in the third trimester. However, it can also:

• Occur earlier in rare cases
• Develop during labor
• Appear even after delivery (called postpartum preeclampsia)

According to major medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States.

That makes it common — but not normal.

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Why Preeclampsia Isn't "Just Swelling"

Many pregnant women experience:

• Swollen feet
• Puffy hands
• Mild facial swelling

These changes can be normal due to increased blood volume and fluid retention.

Preeclampsia swelling is different.

It may include:

• Sudden swelling of the face and hands
• Rapid weight gain over 1–2 days
• Swelling that does not improve with rest
• Swelling combined with high blood pressure

More importantly, preeclampsia is not just about swelling. It's about how high blood pressure affects blood vessels and organ systems.

If left untreated, preeclampsia can:

• Reduce blood flow to the placenta
• Affect the baby's growth
• Damage the liver or kidneys
• Cause seizures (called eclampsia)
• Lead to stroke
• Cause placental abruption (early separation of the placenta)

This is why medical providers take preeclampsia very seriously.

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What Causes Preeclampsia?

The exact cause of preeclampsia is still being studied. However, experts believe it begins with abnormal development of blood vessels in the placenta early in pregnancy.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Problems with blood vessel function
• Immune system responses
• Genetic factors
• Inflammation

You cannot "cause" preeclampsia by eating the wrong food or being stressed. It is not your fault.

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Who Is at Higher Risk?

Anyone can develop preeclampsia, but risk is higher if you:

• Are pregnant for the first time
• Had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
• Have chronic high blood pressure
• Have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
• Have kidney disease
• Have autoimmune conditions (like lupus)
• Are carrying twins or multiples
• Are over age 35
• Have obesity
• Have a family history of preeclampsia

Even without these risk factors, preeclampsia can still occur — which is why regular prenatal care is essential.

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Warning Signs of Preeclampsia

Some women feel fine in the early stages. That's why blood pressure checks at prenatal visits are critical.

However, symptoms may include:

• Persistent headache that doesn't go away
• Vision changes (blurry vision, seeing spots, light sensitivity)
• Upper abdominal pain (especially under the ribs on the right side)
• Nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy
• Sudden swelling of face or hands
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weight gain
• Decreased urine output

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.

If symptoms are severe — such as chest pain, seizures, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care.

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How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose preeclampsia based on:

• Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher on two occasions
• Urine tests for protein
• Blood tests to check liver function and platelet levels
• Kidney function testing
• Assessment of symptoms

You may also have:

• Ultrasounds to monitor baby's growth
• Non-stress tests to check fetal well-being

Early detection makes a major difference.

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What Happens If You're Diagnosed?

Treatment depends on:

• How far along you are
• How severe the condition is
• How stable you and your baby are

If Preeclampsia Is Mild and You're Preterm:

Your doctor may recommend:

• Close monitoring
• More frequent prenatal visits
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Lab tests
• Possible bed rest modifications (though strict bed rest is less commonly recommended now)

The goal is to safely prolong the pregnancy while monitoring for worsening symptoms.

If Preeclampsia Is Severe:

You may need:

• Hospitalization
• Medication to control blood pressure
• Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
• Early delivery if risks outweigh benefits of continuing pregnancy

Delivery is the only cure for preeclampsia.

Sometimes that means induction. Sometimes it means cesarean delivery. The decision is individualized and carefully weighed.

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What About Postpartum Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia can develop after delivery, usually within 48 hours — but sometimes up to six weeks postpartum.

Warning signs after birth include:

• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling that worsens

Postpartum preeclampsia is just as serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Never ignore symptoms after delivery.

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Can Preeclampsia Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed prevention, but some women at higher risk may be advised to take:

• Low-dose aspirin (as prescribed by their doctor)

Research shows low-dose aspirin started in early pregnancy can reduce risk in certain high-risk women.

Do not start aspirin without medical guidance.

The best prevention strategy is:

• Early and consistent prenatal care
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Reporting symptoms promptly

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What You Can Do Right Now

If you're concerned about preeclampsia, here are medically sound next steps:

• Monitor your symptoms carefully
• Keep all prenatal appointments
• Know your blood pressure numbers
• Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, call your provider

If you're experiencing concerning symptoms and want to understand whether they could be related to this condition, Ubie offers a free AI-powered symptom checker for Preeclampsia that can help you identify warning signs and prepare informed questions before your next doctor's appointment.

However, online tools do not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate evaluation.

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Long-Term Health After Preeclampsia

Women who have had preeclampsia may have a higher lifetime risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke

This does not mean these outcomes are inevitable. It does mean long-term health monitoring is important.

After pregnancy:

• Maintain regular primary care visits
• Monitor blood pressure
• Focus on heart-healthy habits
• Inform future providers about your preeclampsia history

Your pregnancy history matters for lifelong health.

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The Bottom Line

Preeclampsia is not normal pregnancy swelling. It is a serious medical condition that requires prompt evaluation and careful monitoring.

The encouraging truth is this: with modern prenatal care, early recognition, and proper management, most women with preeclampsia deliver safely.

If you are pregnant and experiencing:

• Severe swelling
• Persistent headaches
• Vision changes
• Upper abdominal pain
• High blood pressure readings

Do not wait. Speak to a doctor immediately. Anything involving blood pressure changes in pregnancy has the potential to become serious quickly.

When it comes to preeclampsia, early action saves lives — and most importantly, protects both you and your baby.

Always discuss concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare professional. If something feels urgent or life-threatening, seek emergency medical care right away.