If you are concerned about preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, you can pay attention to the symptoms listed below:
Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia (after 20 weeks of pregnancy):
Blood pressure readings at or abovve 140/90 (either number), OR 30/15 points over your baseline, if you normally run very low. (Elevated BP before 20 weeks is considered chronic hypertension. If you are a chronic hypertensive, you may be allowed to run higher, but for chronic or gestational hypertension, BP that isn't controlled by meds or a doctor-prescribed increase in meds warrants a call to your doctor for evaluation for preeclampsia.)
Headache that is not relieved by usual measures (such as acetominophen, fluids, electrolytes, sleep, caffeine).
Vision changes such as blurry vision, tunnel vision, black spots in the vision.
Sudden weight gain, of around 5 lbs or more in a week.
Swelling of hands beyond not being able to wear rings.
Swelling of your face, especially around lips and eyelids.
Decrease in urine output when compared with fluid intake, especially if accompanied by swelling.
Foamy or cola-colored urine.
Nausea or vomiting after first trimester.
Upper right quadrant pain (under the rib cage, possibly radiating to right shoulder).
Shortness of breath.
Hyperreflexia, noticed as anxious feeling.
General sense of feeling unwell, confusion, or sense of “impending doom,” in conjunction with other symptoms.
Seizures.
Signs and symptoms of HELLP syndrome:
Upper right quadrant pain (under the rib cage, possibly radiating to right shoulder).
Sudden vomiting or severe nausea after the first trimester.
Unrelenting “heartburn” type pain (that is not actually heartburn).
What do I do if I notice any of these symptoms?
Please call your doctor to discuss what you are experiencing, and ask for guidance. They can ask further questions over the phone and ask you to come in if needed, or book an appointment for you soon.
If you are having any severe symptoms, like unresponsive headaches, severe nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing or severe range hypertension (readings at or abobe 160/110), please go in immediately to be seen.