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It’s a serious condition that can quietly affect your kidneys, liver, brain, and even your baby’s growth, often without dramatic symptoms. Many Indian women aren’t warned about the early signs or are told swelling and headaches are “normal.” But they’re not always. This list will help you know the difference between regular pregnancy discomfort and what’s a sign that you need medical help.
1. Swelling That Doesn’t Go Away (Face, Hands, Eyes)
Some swelling is normal, especially around the feet. But if your face looks puffed up, fingers feel tight, or eyes look swollen, especially when you wake up, that’s not regular pregnancy swelling. It's a sign of water retention from high blood pressure.2. Sudden Weight Gain in Just a Few Days
Did you gain more than 1–2 kilos in under a week without changing your diet? That could mean fluid build-up, not fat. Watch closely if your clothes feel tighter overnight or if your rings stop fitting.3. Headache That Just Won’t Go
Not the kind of headache that gets better with rest or a crocin. Preeclampsia headaches are usually constant, throbbing, and may feel worse when you're in bright light. It can also feel like pressure inside your head.4. Blurry Vision or Seeing Flashes of Light
Do you ever feel like the lights are flickering? Or like there are black spots or floaters in your vision? This can mean your blood pressure is very high and affecting your eyes, an emergency sign in pregnancy.5. Pain on the Right Side, Just Below the Ribs
A sharp or constant pain under your right breast (not acidity or gas) can be linked to liver inflammation, something that preeclampsia can cause. Many women think it’s just a stomach issue, but it needs attention if it doesn’t go away.6. Feeling Short of Breath or Tight in the Chest
Even a slow walk leaves you breathless? Or does your chest feel heavy while lying down? It might not be pregnancy tiredness. High BP can cause fluid build-up in the lungs or heart stress.7. Nausea or Vomiting in the Second Half of Pregnancy
Morning sickness usually reduces after 12–14 weeks. If vomiting starts again after 20 weeks, especially along with swelling or headaches, it’s not normal. It could be your body reacting to liver or kidney stress.8. Very Low or No Baby Movement
Once you start feeling regular kicks (usually after 24 weeks), a sudden drop in movement or long gaps (6+ hours during usual active times) need immediate checking. The baby may be under stress if the placenta is affected.9. High BP or Protein in Urine at Check-Ups
Even if you don’t feel any symptoms, your routine tests may catch early signs:- Blood pressure over 140/90 mmHgProtein in urine (often seen as frothy urine or caught on lab strips)
Who’s More Likely to Get Preeclampsia?
You’re at higher risk if:- It's your first pregnancy
- You had it in a previous pregnancy
- Your mother or sister had high BP in pregnancy
- You have PCOS, thyroid, diabetes, or kidney disease
- You're carrying twins or triplets
- You’re over 35 years of age
- You have a high BMI or gained weight fast in early pregnancy
What You Can Do Right Now
- Get your BP checked regularly (home or clinic)
- Eat a low-salt diet – avoid pickle, papad, packaged snacks, Chinese food
- Walk daily if possible – even 20 minutes helps circulation
- Track swelling, weight, and baby's kicks
- Rest on your left side to improve blood flow
- Attend all doctor visits – don’t skip scans or urine tests
- Don’t ignore your gut feeling – if something feels off, it might be
Emergency Signs: Go to the Hospital If You Have
- Severe headache
- Blurry vision or light flashes
- Upper stomach pain (right side)
- No baby movement for hours
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling that appears suddenly and fast
- High BP reading (over 160/110)
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Preeclampsia doesn’t always come with dramatic signs. It might start with just a swollen face or a stubborn headache, but ignoring it can put both your and your baby’s life at risk. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, even if others say it’s “normal,” speak up. Get your BP checked, ask for a urine test, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Early action matters. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to pay attention.
FAQS on Preeclampsia in Pregnancy: 9 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
- Is swelling in the feet normal in pregnancy?
Yes. But if your face and hands swell too, or swelling comes suddenly and doesn't go away after rest, that’s not normal. - I’m getting headaches, but my BP is okay. Should I still worry?
Maybe. If your headache is strong, lasts long, and is joined by vision problems or upper belly pain, speak to your doctor even if your BP looks okay once. - Can I check for preeclampsia at home?
Yes, partially. You can check:- BP at home (buy a good digital machine)
- Weight weekly
- Swelling and symptoms
- Does preeclampsia always need early delivery?
Not always. If caught early and managed well, some people carry safely till 37+ weeks. But in severe cases, early delivery may be the safest option.
