How will I know if I develop preeclampsia?

Besides high blood pressure, other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) or additional signs of kidney problems
• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Upper abdominal pain, usually under your ribs on the right side
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased urine output
• Decreased levels of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)
• Impaired liver function
• Shortness of breath, caused by fluid in your lungs

Sudden weight gain and swelling (edema) — particularly in your face and hands — often accompanies preeclampsia. But they also occur in many normal pregnancies, so weight gain and swelling aren't considered reliable signs of preeclampsia.