Myths and Facts: Preeclampsia Edition

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and sudden swelling in your hands and face.  It affects 8% of pregnant women and can quickly place you into the high-risk pregnancy category. To make matters worse, it can develop silently. 

That’s why our team of expert providers at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates checks for signs of preeclampsia at every prenatal appointment.

Even though many women have heard of it, it’s still one of the most misunderstood pregnancy conditions. 

Read on as we clear up some common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Preeclampsia only happens late in pregnancy

Fact: While preeclampsia most commonly develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it can occur earlier in rare cases. 

It can also develop after delivery. When that happens, it’s known as postpartum preeclampsia. This most often appears within the first seven days after birth, but it can also occur anytime within the first six weeks postpartum. This is just another reason why prenatal care and postpartum follow-up are so important.

Myth#2: Swelling always means preeclampsia

Fact: Mild swelling in your hands and feet is common during pregnancy and doesn’t automatically mean preeclampsia.

However, sudden swelling in your face or hands, especially when combined with other symptoms, should be evaluated by our team. Preeclampsia is diagnosed based on elevated blood pressure and signs of organ involvement, not swelling alone.

What makes preeclampsia different is the combination of high blood pressure plus evidence that organs like the kidneys, liver, brain, or placenta are being affected. (It’s why we check for protein in your urine. That’s a sign your kidneys are stressed.)

Myth#3: If I feel fine, my blood pressure must be normal

Fact: Preeclampsia can develop without obvious symptoms. Some women feel completely well while their blood pressure rises.  

As the condition progresses, though, you may experience headaches, visual disturbances, or nausea (unrelated to morning sickness). 

Myth 4: Preeclampsia only affects first-time moms

Fact: First pregnancies do carry a higher risk, but preeclampsia can happen in any pregnancy.

Risk factors include:

• Chronic hypertension
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Multiple gestation (twins or more)
• History of preeclampsia

Even without risk factors, it can still occur.

Myth #5: Preeclampsia is just “high blood pressure”

Fact: Preeclampsia is more complex than elevated blood pressure alone.

It involves changes in how blood vessels function and can affect multiple organs, including your liver, kidneys, brain, and placenta. 

Without treatment, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. This includes eclampsia (with seizures), HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count, and placental abruption). 

How Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates helps protect you

If preeclampsia is suspected, we may recommend additional lab testing, fetal monitoring, or closer follow-up.

It’s important to know that the highest risk period for preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia is within the first 48 hours after delivery. That’s why we continue to monitor your blood pressure during your hospital stay and after you go home. In certain cases, we may administer magnesium sulfate to reduce the risk of seizures and protect your neurologic health.

While the thought of preeclampsia can seem scary, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and we’re experts in high-risk pregnancy care. Our goal for you is early detection during prenatal appointments, early intervention when needed, and the safest possible outcome for both you and your baby.

Questions? You can call our Marietta, Georgia, office at 770-422-8505, or click here to schedule your next prenatal appointment.