The most common indicators of preeclampsia are:

• High blood pressure (hypertension). A blood pressure measurement of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater as measured on two separate occasions within six hours. Women who normally have a low baseline blood pressure, such as 90/60, could be considered hypertensive at a blood pressure of less than that, especially when other symptoms are present. 
  
  
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine). A basic dipstick test conducted in a urine sample at each prenatal visit can screen for proteinuria.
  
  
• Edema (excessive swelling due to the buildup of fluid in the tissues). Although swelling is common during pregnancy, extreme swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face is a cause for concern.

Other common signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Sudden weight gain. A gain of more than 2 pounds in a week or 6 pounds in a month.
  
  
• Severe headaches. Dull, throbbing, migraine-like headaches.
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting.
  
  
• Dizziness.
  
  
• Changes in vision. Preeclampsia may cause a temporary loss of vision, sensations of flashing lights, light sensitivity, blurry vision or spots. In women who are farsighted, vision may improve.
  
  
• Rapid pulse.
  
  
• Mental confusion.
  
  
• Unexplained anxiety.
  
  
• Shortness of breath.
  
  
• Decreased urine output (less than a pint in 24 hours).
  
  
• Pain in the upper right abdomen.
  
  
• Lower back pain. Although back pain is common during pregnancy, it may indicate liver abnormalities.

Additional symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• Fatigue
• Decreased fetal activity
• Bruising easily
• Agitation
• Vomiting blood
• Vaginal bleeding or blood in the urine
• Ringing or buzzing sounds in ears
• Fever
• Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes)

Pregnant women experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately contact their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn). This will allow for early detection and treatment of the condition. However, in many cases women with preeclampsia do not feel ill. This may be linked to the fact that many symptoms of preeclampsia mimic the normal effects of pregnancy on the body. It is also common for women with rapidly progressing preeclampsia to report only a few symptoms. For this reason, it is important for women to keep all prenatal appointments for physician monitoring.