One of the most common pregnancy complications beginning at 20 weeks of pregnancy is preeclampsia. It can be characterized by hypertension and kidney dysfunction. Even those with normal pre-pregnancy blood pressure may also be affected.

Symptoms include hypertension that develops slowly, severe headache, vision changes, vomiting, shortness of breath and swelling of the hands and feet. Preeclampsia can also cause prematurity, hemolysis and placental abruption — which are all harmful and may even be fatal for the baby.

It is a challenge to manage preeclampsia, but with regular medications, controlled diet, adequate rest and careful monitoring by your obstetrician, you can avoid further complications. Fortunately for preeclampsia, the symptoms typically subside upon delivery.