Key points
- A home blood pressure of 160 systolic or 110 diastolic or higher needs immediate medical attention.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and signs of organ stress or injury. It usually develops after 20 weeks and can first appear after delivery. Some patients have no noticeable symptoms.
Get urgent assessment for:
- A severe or persistent headache.
- Blurred vision, flashing lights, or other vision changes.
- Severe upper abdominal pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands, especially with other symptoms.
A home blood pressure of 160 systolic or 110 diastolic or higher needs immediate medical attention. Either number counts. Do not wait for both to be high. ACOG: Preeclampsia and high blood pressure
Monitoring and delivery planning
Care may include blood pressure checks, blood and urine tests, growth ultrasounds, and fetal heartbeat testing.
Delivery is often recommended at 37 weeks when preeclampsia has no severe features. With severe disease, delivery is commonly recommended at or after 34 weeks, or earlier if the parent or baby is unstable. Carefully selected patients before 34 weeks may be monitored in a hospital with appropriate resources.
Untreated disease can cause seizures, stroke, organ damage, placental separation, and poor fetal growth. Treatment may include blood pressure medicine and magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. Delivery does not end the need for monitoring. ACOG: Preeclampsia management · ACOG: Understanding preeclampsia
Frequently asked questions
Can it happen after a normal pregnancy?
Yes. New symptoms after birth still need attention.
Can aspirin prevent it?
Low-dose aspirin lowers risk for some patients. Ask your OB whether you qualify; do not start it on your own.
Does preeclampsia always require a cesarean?
No. The safest birth method depends on your condition, the baby’s condition, and labor circumstances.
Questions about your pregnancy? Contact Davie ObGyn in Davie, Florida, at 954-880-1010. New and established patients are welcome. This information supports your prenatal care and does not replace an individual medical assessment. For urgent symptoms, call your care team promptly; for an emergency, call 911. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.