Pregnancy causes so many changes to the body that are bizarre, uncomfortable, and unexpected.
It’s not just gaining weight and misplacing your center of gravity. There can be strange cravings, unpredictable aches, changes in hair growth, and a complete jumble of your digestive system.
As you check in with your doctor, your family and friends who have been pregnant before, and your favorite search engines and mommy magazines, you’ll learn that many of these are normal side effects of pregnancy. Some symptoms, though, shouldn’t be ignored.
An ICU Nurse Shares Her Own Experiences
A nurse who goes by the handle VictoriaKAndCrew sometimes shares on TikTok information from her work experience, and sometimes it’s her own experience and views. When it comes to preeclampsia, she says she’s speaking from her own experience, but these are five symptoms she would never ignore if they occur during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia can significantly complicate a pregnancy, resulting in the need for closer monitoring to avoid severe outcomes. It can often result in an early delivery. Victoria says she’s had preeclampsia with each of her pregnancies, and she’s sharing symptoms and signs that she now knows as red flags.
Victoria’s Five Signs For Concern During Pregnancy
An Unbearable Headache That Doesn’t Ease Up
Her first sign is an unbearable headache that doesn’t ease up despite medication and hydration. It’s not too unusual to have a headache during pregnancy, especially with lost sleep, but the Preeclampsia Foundation echoes the nurse’s warning about headaches that don’t get better after medication, and adds to watch for light sensitivity.
Pregnancy Swelling Can Be Cause For Concern
Next, she warns about swelling, which she says can be ‘tricky’ since some swelling (water retention) is normal during pregnancy. However, this can be an early sign of preeclampsia, and merits a check with your doctor if it continues.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure Closely During Pregnancy
Blood pressure is next, and Victoria’s opinion deviates a little from official medical advice. She recommends knowing your own ‘normal,’ since some patients’ resting blood pressure might be a bit different from average, and to alert your provider if it hits 20 above your own normal. The Cleveland Clinic sets the line at 140 over 90. The Preeclampsia Foundation says this:
“During pregnancy, a rise in the lower number (diastolic) of 15 degrees or more, or a rise in the upper number (systolic) of 30 degrees or more can also be a cause for concern.”
Vision Changes Can Be A Troubling Sign To Seek Health During Pregnancy
Her fourth warning is about vision changes. She describes seeing black spots in her vision and thinking it was just related to weight gain, before learning she had preeclampsia. The Preeclampsia Foundation notes that in addition to spots, vision changes could include blurred vision, auras, or the sensation of flashing lights.
Rapid Weight Can Should Be Monitored During Pregnancy
Finally, Victoria says to watch for too-rapid weight gain — gaining way too much in a single week. More than 3-5 pounds in a week, the Preeclampsia Foundation agrees, could be a warning sign.
Other Potential Preeclampsia Warning Signs
Victoria is sharing from her own experience, but there are other signs to watch for as well.
The Preeclampsia Foundation says another serious symptom is the sudden onset of nausea or vomiting after the midpoint of pregnancy. Another is a new pain that is usually under the ribs on your right side but can sometimes be in the shoulder. If it feels like “someone is deeply pinching you along the bra strap or on your neck” or makes it painful to lie on your right side, they recommend contacting your provider or getting to a hospital immediately.
They also advise watching for shortness of breath, a racing pulse, high levels of anxiety, and a sense of impending doom. If you have had such symptoms before pregnancy, you’re advised to share them with your provider so they can be monitored. Still, a sudden onset warrants immediate contact with your obstetrician.
What If You Do Have Preeclampsia?
Your doctor will monitor you more closely, with extra prenatal visits and additional blood pressure and urine checks. You may even be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
Severe preeclampsia may even require remaining in the hospital for constant monitoring until the baby can be delivered safely.
You may end up having to deliver your baby early, although your doctor will try to help you maintain the pregnancy for as long as you can do so safely. Some, but not all, patients may have to deliver by C-section.
Watch The ICU Nurse Share Her Experience
You can see Victoria’s full video below, sharing what she’s learned from her own experiences with preeclampsia.
