High blood pressure during pregnancy is often dismissed as a common issue. However, preeclampsia is far more serious than ordinary gestational hypertension. Left untreated, it can lead to severe—even fatal—complications for both mother and baby. Alarmingly, many crucial facts about preeclampsia remain poorly understood. While it is not always preventable, regular antenatal checkups, early diagnosis, and timely treatment can save lives.
Common Myths About Preeclampsia
One of the biggest misconceptions is that preeclampsia only occurs during a first pregnancy. Many women assume that if their first pregnancy was normal, subsequent ones will be safe. This is not guaranteed. Doctors warn that the risk can actually increase in a second pregnancy. Preeclampsia is deeply linked to the placenta and the mother's immune response, and it can appear for the first time in a second or third pregnancy. The risk is higher when there is a long gap between pregnancies or if the father is a different partner. Additional factors such as weight gain, diabetes, pre-existing high blood pressure, advanced maternal age, or carrying twins also elevate the chances.
Rapid Progression and Silent Symptoms
One of the most frightening aspects of preeclampsia is how quickly it can escalate. A woman may feel perfectly fine in the morning and become critically ill by evening. In severe cases, seizures may develop. Often, there are no noticeable symptoms. The first signs are frequently detected during routine prenatal visits. Symptoms should never be ignored.
Along with high blood pressure, signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include:
- Excess protein in urine (proteinuria) or other signs of kidney problems
- Decreased platelet levels in blood (thrombocytopenia)
- Increased liver enzymes indicating liver problems
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision, such as loss of vision, blurred vision, or light sensitivity
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the upper belly, under the ribs on the right side
- Nausea or vomiting
Weight gain and swelling (edema) are typical during healthy pregnancies. However, sudden weight gain or a sudden appearance of edema—particularly in the face and hands—may signal preeclampsia.
Underlying Health Conditions
Preeclampsia typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If it appears very early, doctors investigate serious conditions such as molar pregnancy or APLA syndrome. APLA syndrome is a blood clotting disorder where clots form in placental blood vessels. Women with repeated miscarriages, severe pregnancy-related blood pressure problems, poor fetal growth, or recurrent pregnancy complications may have this hidden condition. Early diagnosis can completely alter treatment and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Early Identification is Possible
Modern medical science can often identify high-risk women much earlier. Screening is usually performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. It includes blood pressure measurement, Doppler ultrasound scans, blood tests such as PLGF and PAPP-A, and a review of the mother's medical history. Early prediction enables better prevention and monitoring. To reduce risk, many women are advised to take low-dose aspirin (commonly known as Ecosprin). This helps improve blood flow to the placenta and may reduce the risk of severe preeclampsia and poor fetal growth.
Management is the Best Treatment
When it comes to treatment, magnesium sulfate injection is considered one of the most important life-saving medicines in obstetrics. Many people mistakenly believe it is given only to lower blood pressure. Its primary role, however, is to prevent seizures and protect the brain. Crucially, it saves the mother from eclampsia. In some high-risk pregnancies, doctors may also recommend arginine supplements to help relax blood vessels, supporting better blood flow and placental function in selected cases.
Dr. Preety Aggarwal, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Medical Director (Gurgaon) – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospital, Gurugram, emphasizes the importance of awareness and timely intervention.
