Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options for Expectant Mothers

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women. It can cause high blood pressure and result in serious health problems for both you and your baby.
Preeclampsia is defined as new-onset hypertension (high blood pressure) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with protein in the urine, which is usually accompanied by swelling in the face and hands. The swelling may be so severe that it looks like you're carrying twins!
Common symptoms include:

  • Swelling of the hands or face (called edema)

  • Severe headaches

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia signs and symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but the most common ones include:

  • Headaches

  • Visual changes (blurred vision)

  • Swelling of the hands and face

Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can cause problems for both you and your baby. The good news is that it's easy to diagnose once you know what to look for.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, including checking your blood pressure and listening to the sounds of your uterus (womb). If they suspect preeclampsia, they may also order blood tests or urine tests. This is why part of your prenatal visit includes routine check of blood pressure and at times even urine so that preeclampsia can be diagnosed promptly.

Treatment of Preeclampsia

Treatment of preeclampsia depends on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases may be treated with bed rest and medication to lower blood pressure, such as labetalol or hydralazine. More severe cases may require delivery of your baby, as the primary “cure” to preeclampsia is delivery. The timing of the delivery will always depend on how severe the preeclampsia is and how far along in your pregnancy you are.

Prevention of Preeclampsia

  • Eat a healthy diet.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Attend all prenatal appointments

Complications of Preeclampsia

  • Eclampsia
    Eclampsia is a rare but dangerous condition that can occur in women who have preeclampsia. It's characterized by seizures and may require hospitalization. If you experience this complication, it's important to seek immediate medical attention as eclampsia can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

  • HELLP Syndrome
    HELLP syndrome is another serious complication of preeclampsia that can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy (or earlier). It combines hemolysis (destruction), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count into one scary sounding name! Although it's not common, HELLP syndrome can cause severe damage to your liver or kidneys if left untreated so make sure you see your doctor immediately if you think this might apply to you!

Long-Term Effects of Preeclampsia

Long-term effects of preeclampsia can include:

  • High blood pressure. This is the most common long-term effect of preeclampsia, and it can be a serious health problem if you don't treat it. If your high blood pressure isn't treated, it may lead to heart disease or stroke in later life.

  • Kidney damage (nephropathy). This occurs in about 1 in 10 women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy; it usually develops within 5 years after delivery and often goes undetected until later on when there are signs of kidney disease such as protein in urine or high levels of creatinine (a waste product made by muscles) in the blood tests done at regular checkups with your doctor




Doula near me

How can a doula help

While you can't change the circumstances someone with preeclampsia is facing, there are things we can do to help.

  • Listen: The most important thing is to listen. A doula can be a shoulder to lean on and an ear to be able to talk about your feelings, and if delivery is imminent a labor support doula is just what you may need to make this stressful situation a bit more manageable as they will provide one on one ongoing support. Overall your doulas goal is to be there for you as you process what's happening in your body and mind.

  • Encouragement as you navigate all the medical information being presented to you: If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, encouragement is so beneficial to your well being not only when gathering all the medical advice but also when following up on any recommendations made by doctors or midwives -- especially if those recommendations include taking medications such as antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors) which may cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

While at times our pregnancy can take deviate from the original plan, having a doula means that, that level of support, guidance and education never changes.


You may be thinking, “Where can I find a doula near me?”  We provide Tampa doula support & Miami doula support, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, in-home postpartum doula care, specialized lactation support by our CLC’s and IBCLC’s and birth photography for:

  • Tampa, St Petersburg

  • Land O’ Lakes

  • Lakeland

  • Plant City

  • Downtown Tampa

  • … and more!

Virtual services also available, let’s plan for your amazing birth and postpartum journey.

All with,

One Love

Yamel Belen