Preeclampsia: Your Warning Signs Guide

Check your blood pressure

• Check it at home if your care team advises. Use an upper-arm cuff that fits.
• Rest 5 minutes. Sit with your back supported, feet flat, and arm at heart level.
• Write down every reading.

Know your numbers

• Top number 140 or higher, or bottom number 90 or higher: call your provider today.
• Top number 160 or higher, or bottom number 110 or higher: go to the hospital now.
• Your care team's numbers, if different: ____________.

Take aspirin only if prescribed

• Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) lowers the risk of preeclampsia for some people.
• If prescribed, take it every day until your baby is born. Do not start it on your own.

Go to labor and delivery or the emergency room now if you have

• A severe headache that medicine does not help
• Spots in your vision or blurry vision
• Pain under your right ribs or in your upper belly
• Sudden swelling of your face or hands
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting late in pregnancy

After your baby is born

• Watch for these signs for 6 weeks. Tell the emergency team you recently had a baby.
• Keep your blood pressure visit, usually within 7 to 10 days.
• Take blood pressure medicine as prescribed.