What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure and often protein in the urine. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia can affect many organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs, and can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Because of this, close medical monitoring and timely treatment are very important.

How common is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia affects about 5% to 8% of pregnancies.

It is also responsible for nearly 15% of premature births (delivery before 37 weeks).

Is preeclampsia an emergency?

Yes, preeclampsia can become a medical emergency if not treated.

When preeclampsia occurs:

• Blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg
• Organs such as the kidneys and liver may be affected
• Blood flow to the placenta can reduce
• Fluid may build up in the lungs

What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?

Many women do not feel symptoms at first. Preeclampsia is often detected during routine prenatal visits.

Possible symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling of face, hands, or feet
• Persistent headache
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Seeing dark spots
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Shortness of breath

Signs of severe preeclampsia include:

• Very high blood pressure (160/110 mmHg or higher)
• Reduced urine output
• Kidney or liver dysfunction
• Fluid in the lungs
• Low platelet count
• Severe headache or vision problems

Severe cases may require hospital admission or early delivery.

What causes preeclampsia?

The exact cause is unknown. Experts believe preeclampsia may be related to problems with blood flow to the placenta, which leads to changes in blood vessels and organ function.

Is stress a cause of preeclampsia?

Stress does not directly cause preeclampsia. However, managing stress and maintaining overall health during pregnancy is beneficial.

Who is at risk of developing preeclampsia?

Some women have a higher risk than others.

High-risk factors:

• History of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes
• Carrying twins or multiple babies
• Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus)
• Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy

Moderate-risk factors:

• First pregnancy
• Obesity
• Age over 35
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Previous pregnancy complications (low birth weight, preterm birth)

When does preeclampsia usually start?

• Most cases occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy
• It is more common in the third trimester (after 27 weeks)
• If it occurs before 34 weeks, it is called early-onset preeclampsia
• It can also occur after delivery, known as postpartum preeclampsia

What complications can preeclampsia cause?

For the mother:

• Seizures (eclampsia)
• Stroke
• Organ failure
• HELLP syndrome (liver damage and low platelets)
• Coma (rare)

For the baby:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Placental abruption

Women who have had preeclampsia have a higher risk later in life for:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Preeclampsia in future pregnancies

How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

Preeclampsia is usually detected during routine prenatal checkups.

Your doctor may:

• Measure blood pressure
• Test urine for protein
• Order blood tests for kidney and liver function
• Perform ultrasound to monitor baby’s growth
• Recommend additional fetal monitoring

How is preeclampsia treated?

Treatment depends on:

• Severity of the condition
• Stage of pregnancy
• Mother’s and baby’s health

Treatment options may include:

• Close monitoring and frequent checkups
• Blood pressure medications
• Hospital care for severe cases
• Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
• Early delivery if condition worsens

If pregnancy has reached 37 weeks, delivery is usually recommended.

Is preeclampsia curable?

The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby.

Symptoms usually improve within days to weeks after childbirth, but monitoring continues after delivery.

Can the baby survive preeclampsia?

Yes. With early detection and good care, most babies do well. Premature babies may need special care after birth.

Can I have a normal delivery with preeclampsia?

Yes, many women with preeclampsia can have a vaginal delivery, depending on their health. Sometimes, a C-section is safer.

Does preeclampsia go away after delivery?

Usually, yes. Blood pressure and symptoms often go back to normal within a few weeks, but some women may need medicine for a short time.

Can preeclampsia be prevented?

Preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, but risk can be reduced.

Helpful steps include:

• Managing blood pressure and diabetes
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercise (as advised by doctor)
• Adequate rest and sleep
• Eating a balanced, low-salt diet
• Avoiding caffeine
• Staying active and avoiding prolonged sitting

In some high-risk women, low-dose aspirin may be recommended from early pregnancy—only under medical advice.

When should I seek urgent medical care?

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:

• Severe headache
• Blurred or double vision
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Severe upper abdominal pain
• Persistent visual spots

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Preeclampsia treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Preeclampsia treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced obstetricians and maternal–fetal medicine specialists, known as some of the best doctors for high-risk pregnancy care. We provide accurate diagnosis with blood pressure monitoring and lab tests, personalized medical management, and close monitoring of both mother and baby to prevent complications. Our team has decades of experience in successfully managing Preeclampsia in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Preeclampsia treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back