What Causes Preeclampsia? Early Signs For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is usually seen as a lovely adventure, but it also comes with risks that are often misunderstood. One of the most dangerous is preeclampsia, a condition where blood pressure rises dangerously high and organs can be damaged. It usually happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Even though we’ve made great strides in prenatal care, preeclampsia still sadly claims the lives of many mothers and babies around the world. But here’s the good news: if we catch the signs early and understand what causes it, we can make a big difference.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what causes preeclampsia, but it seems to happen when the blood vessels in the placenta don’t develop properly. These weird vessels can block the flow of blood between the mom and baby, and that can lead to a whole bunch of problems.

“Preeclampsia, a complex condition involving the placenta, immune system, and cardiovascular health, is unpredictable,” says Dr. Emily Walker, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic. Regular prenatal checkups are crucial.

Risk factors include:

• First pregnancy
• Multiple gestation (twins, triplets)
• History of preeclampsia
• Chronic hypertension, kidney disease, or diabetes
• Obesity or autoimmune disorders
• Age over 35

Study Insights: Who’s at Risk?

Did you know that preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S.? That’s a lot of women! And guess what? Black women are even more at risk, being 60% more likely to develop the condition and have worse outcomes. It’s a real shame that these health disparities still exist.

A study in The Lancet revealed that low-dose aspirin therapy for high-risk women starting before 16 weeks can slash the risk of preeclampsia by a whopping 60%!

Early Signs of Preeclampsia: Know What to Watch For

Preeclampsia doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms early on, but early detection is key. Some signs may be subtle and easily mistaken for normal pregnancy discomforts.

Common Early Symptoms:

• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher)
• Swelling in face, hands, and feet (sudden or severe)
• Protein in urine (detected in prenatal tests)
• Sudden weight gain
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes: blurred vision, flashes of light, or temporary loss of vision
• Upper abdominal pain, often under the ribs on the right side
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness

“If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in the third trimester, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor right away,” advises Dr. Aisha Martinez, an OB-GYN at NYU Langone Health.

Why Preeclampsia Matters for You and Baby

Preeclampsia can turn into eclampsia, which can lead to seizures, strokes, or even death. It’s also a major cause of preterm birth and placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus too early. In extreme cases, early delivery may be needed, even if the baby isn’t fully grown, to save both the mom and the baby.

How to Lower Your Risk: Actionable Tips

While not all cases can be prevented, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Go to all prenatal visits — even if you feel fine
• Take low-dose aspirin (81 mg) if recommended by your doctor
• Limit sodium and ultra-processed foods
• Manage stress levels through breathwork or meditation
• Stay physically active, as approved by your OB
• Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
• Stay hydrated and track blood pressure at home if you’re high-risk
• Monitor urine protein and swelling regularly

Preeclampsia can sneak up on you and cause serious health problems. But if you’re pregnant or planning to be, talk to your doctor about your risk and the signs to watch out for. It could save your life!