Condition
Preeclampsia: Warning Signs, Monitoring, and Care
Preeclampsia is a serious blood-pressure condition that can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy or after birth. Caught early and monitored closely, most people and babies do well. This page explains the warning signs and how Materna helps you watch your blood pressure between visits, in Spanish and English. It is educational, not medical advice.
Call now if you have any of these
- A severe headache that does not go away
- Changes in vision: blurriness, spots, or flashing lights
- Pain in the upper right belly or under the ribs
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands, or sudden weight gain
- Trouble breathing
These can be signs of severe preeclampsia. Call your clinician or go to labor and delivery.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure together with signs that organs are under stress, such as protein in the urine. It usually starts after 20 weeks. The only cure is delivery, so the goal is careful monitoring to keep you and your baby safe until the right time.
Who is at higher risk?
Risk is higher with a first pregnancy, a history of preeclampsia, chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, carrying twins, or a higher body mass index. Your clinician may recommend low-dose aspirin if you are at higher risk. Ask what is right for you.
How Materna helps
Materna sends home blood-pressure checks to your phone, computes your risk between visits, and routes anything concerning to a bilingual 24/7 nurse line and a maternal-fetal medicine network. Care is Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the first warning signs of preeclampsia?
- Common early signs include a severe or persistent headache, vision changes, upper-belly pain, and sudden swelling. High blood pressure is often the first measurable sign, which is why home monitoring matters.
- Can preeclampsia happen after birth?
- Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia can develop in the days and weeks after delivery. Keep monitoring your blood pressure and report severe headaches or vision changes right away.
- Does Materna accept Medicaid for preeclampsia monitoring?
- Yes. Materna works with Medicaid and managed-care plans in Arizona, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and care is free for patients.
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