Pregnancy conditions
Preeclampsia warning signs every pregnant person should know
May 21, 2026 · 7 min read
Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy and even in the weeks after birth. It can come on quickly and quietly, so knowing the warning signs of preeclampsia, and acting on them early, is one of the most protective things you can do for yourself and your baby. This guide walks through the symptoms to watch for, when to call, and how Materna helps you keep an eye on your blood pressure between appointments.
What preeclampsia is
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and signs that organs like the kidneys or liver are under strain. It usually appears after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it can also start after your baby is born, which is called postpartum preeclampsia. Left untreated it can become dangerous for both you and your baby, which is why the warning signs matter so much. According to ACOG, preeclampsia affects a meaningful share of pregnancies in the United States, and most cases can be managed when caught early.
The preeclampsia warning signs to watch for
Call your prenatal provider promptly if you notice any of these: a bad headache that does not go away or does not ease with rest, changes in your vision such as blurriness, flashing lights, or spots, swelling in your face or hands that comes on suddenly, pain in your upper belly or under your ribs, especially on the right side, nausea or vomiting that is new in the second half of pregnancy, shortness of breath, or a sharp drop in how often you are urinating. A single high blood pressure reading at home is also a reason to call. These can be warning signs of preeclampsia even when you otherwise feel fine.
When to call your provider and when to call 911
For most warning signs, call your prenatal provider or your clinic right away and describe exactly what you are feeling, do not wait for your next appointment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a seizure, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe and constant belly pain, sudden severe headache with confusion or vision loss, or any sign you feel may be life threatening. When in doubt, it is always safer to be checked. These same warning signs can appear in the first six weeks after birth, so keep watching for them during the postpartum period too.
Why blood pressure between visits matters
Preeclampsia is driven by rising blood pressure, and that rise often happens between prenatal visits when no one is watching. Tracking your blood pressure at home, when your provider recommends it, can surface a worrying trend days before your next appointment. If you are using a home cuff, your provider can show you how to take an accurate reading and tell you which numbers should prompt a call. Our guide to the Mommy Passport explains how keeping these readings in one record helps every provider you see start with your full picture.
How Materna helps you keep watch
With the Mommy Passport, you can log a blood pressure reading or a symptom just by talking, in English or Spanish, on the phone you already have. The voice-first check-in is designed to flag concerning values and remind you what each warning sign means and what to do next, so nothing important waits in silence. Materna is free for patients and built to keep your readings in one record that travels with you across clinics and across the border. It does not replace your clinician, and it is not for emergencies, but it helps you and your care team catch a rising trend earlier.
What this guide does not do
This article is education, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you whether you have preeclampsia. Only your provider can diagnose and treat it. Materna does not make claims it cannot back with data, and any tracking features are designed to support your care, not to detect or diagnose any condition on their own. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call your provider, and for any emergency call 911.
Frequently asked questions
- Can preeclampsia happen after my baby is born?
- Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia can develop in the days and weeks after birth, most often within the first six weeks. Keep watching for the same warning signs, such as a severe headache, vision changes, or swelling, and call your provider if they appear.
- I feel fine but my home blood pressure reading was high. Should I call?
- Yes. Preeclampsia can be present even when you feel well, so a single high reading is a reason to call your prenatal provider and ask what to do next. Ask your provider which numbers should prompt a call so you know your own thresholds.
- Does Materna diagnose preeclampsia?
- No. Materna helps you track blood pressure and symptoms and flag concerning values for your care team, but it does not diagnose any condition. Diagnosis and treatment always come from your clinician.