Do You Have Preeclampsia? Symptom Checker

Do I Have Preeclampsia? Try This Quick Quiz

Answer these simple questions to better understand your symptoms during pregnancy:

• Do you have swelling in your hands, feet, or face?
• Are you getting frequent headaches that don’t go away?
• Is your vision blurry or do you see flashing lights?
• Have you gained weight quickly in the last few days?
• Are you feeling pain in your upper belly, especially on the right side?
• Is your blood pressure higher than usual?

Take a moment and count your “Yes” answers.

What Do Your Answers Mean?

• Mostly "Yes": These signs could be linked to preeclampsia. It’s best to talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
• Mostly "No": That’s a good sign, but if new symptoms show up or things get worse, don’t wait, reach out to a professional.

Still have questions about preeclampsia? Try the Preeclampsia Symptom Checker for quick answers based on your symptoms.

Remember: This quiz is just a tool. Always speak with a healthcare provider to be sure.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a health problem that can happen during pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and can affect organs like the liver or kidneys. It’s one of the leading causes of maternal complications around the world.

It usually starts after 20 weeks, even if everything felt fine before. Some people don’t notice it at first because the symptoms can feel like normal pregnancy changes.

It’s more common than you might think, preeclampsia affects about 2 to 8% of pregnancies.

If preeclampsia isn’t treated, it can lead to serious problems for both you and your baby.

When it’s caught early, doctors can help manage it and keep you both safe. That’s why checking your symptoms matters, even if they seem small.

Common Signs to Watch For

Preeclampsia doesn’t always start with dramatic symptoms. In many cases, it begins with small changes that are easy to miss. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels, especially during the second half of pregnancy.

Some of the most common signs include:

• Swelling in your hands, face, or feet that comes on suddenly
• Headaches that don’t go away, even after resting
• Changes in your vision, such as blurry spots or flashes of light
• Pain in the upper belly, usually on the right side
• Feeling short of breath or more tired than usual
• Sudden weight gain that doesn’t match your eating habits

These signs might feel like normal pregnancy symptoms, but when they come on quickly or feel different from usual, they could be a warning sign. If you notice any of them, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor, even just to be safe.

What Causes Preeclampsia?

Doctors still don’t know the exact cause of preeclampsia, but they believe it starts with how the placenta develops early in pregnancy. When the blood vessels that supply the placenta don’t grow or function normally, it can lead to problems with blood flow. This can cause high blood pressure and damage to organs.

You’re more likely to develop preeclampsia if:

• It’s your first pregnancy
• You’re carrying more than one baby (twins or more)
• You’ve had high blood pressure or kidney problems in the past
• A close family member had preeclampsia
• You’re under 20 or over 40

Even though the exact cause isn’t fully understood, what’s clear is that you can’t prevent it by yourself, but you can catch it early. That’s why it helps to stay alert to the signs and check your symptoms regularly.

How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Preeclampsia is usually found during regular pregnancy checkups. That’s one reason those visits are so important, even if you’re feeling fine.

To check for it, doctors look at:

• Blood pressure: high readings can be an early sign.
• Urine Test: protein in your urine is another warning signal.
• Other symptoms, like swelling, headaches, or vision changes, may also point toward preeclampsia, especially when they happen together.

Sometimes, extra tests like blood work or an ultrasound may be needed to see how the baby is doing and whether your organs are affected. The earlier it's diagnosed, the more time doctors have to help you manage it safely.

When to Talk to a Doctor

You should reach out to your doctor right away if you:

• Notice swelling in your face or hands that appears suddenly
• Get a headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
• See flashing lights, spots, or changes in your vision
• Feel pain in your upper belly, especially on the right
• Just feel like something isn’t right

Even if you’re not sure whether your symptoms are serious, it’s always better to ask. Trusting your instincts during pregnancy is a good thing.

Is There a Treatment for Preeclampsia?

There isn’t a “cure” for preeclampsia during pregnancy, the only way to fully stop it is to deliver the baby and placenta. But that doesn’t mean nothing can be done. 

Your doctor will decide what’s best based on how far along you are, how serious your symptoms are, and how your baby is doing.

Treatment usually includes regular checkups, rest, and close monitoring. In some cases, you may need to deliver the baby earlier than planned to protect both of you.

The goal is to buy time while keeping things stable. In many cases, treatment helps avoid complications and gives your baby more time to grow safely.