Preeclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Preeclampsia?
An obstetrician-gynecologist (an ob-gyn, a doctor who cares for women during pregnancy and childbirth) usually treats preeclampsia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious disorder that can affect all the organs in your body. It is a high blood pressure disorder related to pregnancy. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often in the third trimester, which is the last stage of pregnancy. It can also develop in the weeks after childbirth.
Eclampsia is when a pregnant woman with preeclampsia has seizures or a coma. Preeclampsia can also cause HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome is a medical emergency.
Women with preeclampsia are at higher risk of organ damage, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, and stroke.
Symptoms
Preeclampsia can develop quietly without you being aware of it. Symptoms can include:
- Swelling of the face or hands
- A headache that will not go away
- Seeing spots or changes in eyesight
- Pain in the upper abdomen (belly) or shoulder
- Nausea and vomiting in the second half of pregnancy
- Sudden weight gain
- Too much protein in the urine
Preeclampsia that is getting worse can develop severe features. Severe features include a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, and a severe headache. A top blood pressure number of 160 or higher is also a severe feature. So is a bottom number of 110 or higher.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly why some women get preeclampsia. Too little blood flow to the placenta, the organ that feeds the baby, could play a part.
Some things raise your risk a lot. These include preeclampsia in an earlier pregnancy, carrying twins or more, long-term high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Other things raise your risk a little. These include a first pregnancy, a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and a mother or sister who had preeclampsia. Being age 35 or older also raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Your ob-gyn should check your blood pressure at each prenatal care visit, which is a check-up during pregnancy. A high blood pressure reading may be the first sign of preeclampsia. A reading of 140/90 or higher, especially after the 20th week of pregnancy, often leads to more tests. You may have a urine test to check for protein. You may also have tests of your liver, your kidneys, and your platelets, the cells that help blood clot.
Treatment
The goal is to limit problems for you and to deliver the healthiest baby possible. Delivering the baby and taking medicines can help treat preeclampsia.
If you have no severe features, you may be treated in the hospital or as an outpatient. An outpatient stays at home with close checks by an ob-gyn. You may also need to count your baby's kicks each day.
If you have severe features, you may be treated in the hospital. If you are at least 34 weeks pregnant, you and your ob-gyn may talk about delivering as soon as you are stable. If you are under 34 weeks pregnant and stable, it may be possible to wait to deliver. Waiting a few days can give time to give corticosteroids, medicines that help the baby's lungs mature. Waiting can also give time to take medicines that lower blood pressure and help prevent seizures. If your health or your baby's health gets worse, you and your ob-gyn should discuss delivery right away. Early birth has risks. Preterm babies have a higher chance of problems with breathing, eating, staying warm, hearing, and vision.
When to see a doctor
If you have any of these symptoms, call your ob-gyn right away, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can also develop in the weeks after childbirth. Watch for these symptoms after the baby is born. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, fainting, or trouble breathing. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a seizure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Women who have had preeclampsia face a higher risk of kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure later in life. After delivery, such a doctor can help you keep track of these risks and coordinate care with your ob-gyn.
Common questions
Can low-dose aspirin prevent preeclampsia?
Low-dose aspirin may reduce the risk of preeclampsia in some women. Do not start taking aspirin on your own without talking with your ob-gyn.
Can preeclampsia start after the baby is born?
Yes, it can develop in the weeks after childbirth.
Does preeclampsia go away after the baby is born?
Symptoms usually go away within 6 weeks after delivery, but they can last after delivery.
Can preeclampsia happen again in another pregnancy?
Yes, having preeclampsia once increases the risk of having it again in a future pregnancy.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- MedlinePlus - High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
- NICHD - Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
