Signs and symptoms
... The signs of preeclampsia are elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and the presence of excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Your health care provider may identify ...

Causes
... Preeclampsia used to be called toxemia because it was thought to be caused by a toxin in a pregnant woman''s bloodstream. Today, doctors and researchers know preeclampsia isn''t caused by a toxin. The...

Risk factors
... The biggest risk factor for preeclampsia is simply being pregnant. Additional risk factors include: History of preeclampsia. A personal history of preeclampsia or family history of preeclampsia increa...

When to seek medical advice
... When you''re pregnant, you''re likely to experience some discomfort. Headaches, nausea, and aches and pains can be common. So, it''s difficult to know when new symptoms are just part of being pregnant...

Screening and diagnosis
... Preeclampsia usually shows up unexpectedly during a routine prenatal blood pressure check and urine test. So, it''s important to seek regular prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. You''ll be diagno...