Eran Bornstein, MD, highlights early signs of preeclampsia clinicians need to know

In a recent discussion with Contemporary OB/GYN, Eran Bornstein, MD, director of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, shared important insights into the early warning signs of preeclampsia and how clinicians can better detect and manage this serious pregnancy complication. He emphasized the distinction between identifying patients who are at risk for preeclampsia through early screening and recognizing the symptoms that indicate a patient has already developed the condition.

For patients who have progressed from risk to actual preeclampsia, there are several clinical signs and symptoms to watch for. These include high blood pressure, which may be detected at home using a blood pressure cuff. Bornstein recommended that high-risk patients monitor their blood pressure daily and keep a log to identify any concerning trends. Another key indicator is proteinuria, or the presence of protein in the urine, which signifies kidney involvement—a hallmark of preeclampsia.

Additional symptoms that may signal severe preeclampsia include persistent headaches, visual disturbances such as floaters or blurry vision, abdominal or epigastric pain (particularly in the right upper quadrant), nausea, vomiting, and generalized swelling. Laboratory tests may also reveal abnormalities such as low platelet counts and impaired liver or kidney function, further supporting the diagnosis and helping clinicians assess severity.

Bornstein also highlighted the importance of first-trimester screening to identify those at high risk for preeclampsia before symptoms arise. Historically, this screening has not been widely available in the United States, primarily because of limited access to specialized blood tests and ultrasound expertise. However, he noted that 2 US laboratories now offer the necessary tests, and he expressed hope that with increased support and updated clinical guidelines, such screening could become routine for all pregnant women. This would allow for individualized risk assessment, better patient education on warning signs, and timely preventive measures, such as low-dose aspirin therapy, to reduce the incidence and severity of preeclampsia.

Disclosures: Longeviti Neuro Solutions LLC

This video is part 2 of a 2-part series. Click here for part 1.