Understanding Preeclampsia: A Comprehensive Guide to Maternal and Fetal Health

Entendiendo la Preeclampsia: Causas, Tratamientos y Prevención

Medically reviewed by Argelia Lopez Ortiz, MD. Gynecology and Obstetrics

Reading time: 2 minutes

About the author: Dra. Argelia Lopez Ortiz, MD. graduated from the faculty of Medicine from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara UAG. After that, she specialized in Gynecology and Obstetrics, in the city of León, Guanajuato. Subsequently, she completed training in Colposcopy at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara UAG. In addition, Dra. Argelia Lopez Ortiz is certified by the Mexican Council of Gynecology and Obstetrics and by the Mexican Federation of Colposcopy and Genital Tract Pathology, A.C. Similarly, within her medical practice, some of the most common services that Dra. Argelia Lopez Ortiz provides the following:

Quick answer

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure, usually appearing after 20 weeks, along with signs of damage to other organs, most often the liver or kidneys. It requires close monitoring, and severe cases need prompt treatment to protect both mother and baby.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia develops when blood pressure rises to dangerous levels during pregnancy, often accompanied by protein in the urine or other signs that organs aren't functioning normally. Left unmonitored, it can progress to more serious complications, including effects on the placenta, liver, kidneys, or brain.

What Are the Symptoms?

Persistent high blood pressure readings
Severe or persistent headaches
Vision changes — blurred vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots
Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side
Sudden swelling in the face or hands
Shortness of breath

Some cases develop with few noticeable symptoms, which is why regular prenatal blood pressure checks matter even when you feel well.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

First pregnancy, or a previous pregnancy with preeclampsia
Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease
Carrying multiples (twins or more)
Obesity or a family history of preeclampsia
Pregnancy through in vitro fertilization

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis combines blood pressure readings taken over time with lab tests checking for protein in the urine and organ function, along with monitoring of the baby's growth and well-being through ultrasound.

How Is Preeclampsia Treated?

Treatment depends on severity and how far along the pregnancy is. Mild cases are managed with closer monitoring, blood pressure medication, and sometimes early delivery planning. Severe preeclampsia may require hospitalization, medication to prevent seizures, and early delivery when the risks of continuing the pregnancy outweigh the risks of early birth.

Everything in One Place

Preeclampsia can change quickly and may require immediate delivery. Hospital CMQ brings together maternal-fetal monitoring, obstetrics, and a neonatal-ready delivery unit under one roof, so mother and baby are cared for without transfers between facilities.

When Should I Seek Immediate Care?

Go to the hospital right away if you experience a severe headache that won't go away, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, or sudden swelling — these can signal that preeclampsia is progressing.

If you're pregnant and notice these symptoms, our obstetrics team is available 24/7.

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References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia Foundation — Understanding preeclampsia
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH) — Preeclampsia and eclampsia

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