Preeclampsia in Nigeria: Warning Signs, Causes & What to Do

Preeclampsia is one of Nigeria's leading causes of maternal death—yet most cases could be prevented with early detection and proper care. This serious pregnancy condition claims thousands of Nigerian mothers every year, leaving children without their mothers and families devastated. The heartbreaking truth is that many of these deaths are preventable.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or supporting a pregnant woman in Nigeria, you need to understand preeclampsia. This article will teach you to recognize the warning signs, understand your risk, and know exactly what to do if you suspect preeclampsia. Your life—or the life of someone you love—may depend on it.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that can develop during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week. It's characterized by two main signs:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – A reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher
• Protein in the urine (proteinuria) – A sign that your kidneys are stressed

Think of preeclampsia as your body's alarm system going off. During normal pregnancy, blood vessels relax and expand to handle the extra blood volume needed to nourish your baby. But in preeclampsia, these blood vessels become narrow and constricted, causing blood pressure to spike. This damages multiple organs—your kidneys, liver, brain, and placenta—and threatens both your life and your baby's.

Without treatment, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening emergency involving seizures. But here's the hopeful part: with proper antenatal care, monitoring, and treatment, preeclampsia can be managed safely.

Understanding Different Types of Pregnancy Hypertension

Not all high blood pressure in pregnancy is the same. It's crucial to understand the differences because the treatment and risks vary significantly:

The key difference is protein in the urine. This single marker separates gestational hypertension (which is less dangerous) from preeclampsia (which can be life-threatening). This is why urine tests at every antenatal care visit are absolutely essential.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Preeclampsia?

Some pregnant women have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. While anyone can develop it, knowing your risk factors helps you stay vigilant and seek early care:

• First pregnancy – First-time mothers have a higher risk than those who've had previous uncomplicated pregnancies
• Multiple pregnancy – Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases risk significantly
• Obesity – A BMI over 30 increases preeclampsia risk
• Age over 35 – Women over 35 and teenagers both have elevated risk
• Family history – If your mother or sisters had preeclampsia, your risk is higher
• Previous preeclampsia – If you had it in a previous pregnancy, you're at higher risk in future pregnancies
• Chronic hypertension – Pre-existing high blood pressure significantly increases your risk
• Chronic kidney disease – Your kidneys are already working hard; preeclampsia stresses them further
• Diabetes – Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase risk
• Autoimmune disorders – Conditions like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome increase risk
• Previous blood clots – A history of thromboembolism increases preeclampsia risk

If you have any of these risk factors, be especially diligent about attending all antenatal care visits, taking prescribed medications faithfully, and reporting any concerning symptoms immediately to your healthcare provider.

Why Antenatal Care (ANC) Is Your First Defence Against Preeclampsia

Regular antenatal care is the single most effective way to catch preeclampsia early, before it becomes dangerous. At every single ANC visit, your healthcare provider should:

• Check your blood pressure – This is the primary screening for preeclampsia
• Test your urine – This reveals protein, the second key marker of preeclampsia
• Ask about symptoms – Listen carefully when you describe how you're feeling
• Check for swelling – Examine your hands, feet, and face for sudden, severe swelling
• Monitor your baby's health – Through ultrasound and foetal monitoring as needed

During early pregnancy: You should have monthly visits. From 28 weeks: Visits increase to every 2-4 weeks. From 36 weeks: You should come weekly until delivery. This increased frequency in the third trimester allows your healthcare team to catch preeclampsia before it develops into eclampsia.

How Is Preeclampsia Treated in Nigerian Hospitals?

If you're diagnosed with preeclampsia, your healthcare team has proven medications and strategies to keep you and your baby safe. Understanding these treatments helps you cooperate fully with your care team:

Magnesium Sulphate (Mag Sulph)

This is the gold standard medication used in Nigerian hospitals to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia. You'll likely receive it as an injection if you have preeclampsia.

• How it works: It calms your nervous system and prevents the seizures associated with eclampsia
• What to expect: You may feel warm, flushed, or drowsy. Some women experience mild nausea. These are normal side effects.
• How long: You'll typically receive it during labour and for 12-24 hours after delivery
• Important: Stay in hospital while receiving magnesium sulphate so healthcare providers can monitor you

Blood Pressure Medications

If your blood pressure is dangerously high, doctors will prescribe medications to lower it safely without harming your baby. Common medications used in Nigeria include:

• Labetalol – Often the first choice; safe in pregnancy
• Methyldopa – Another safe option for pregnancy hypertension
• Nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) – Used in some cases for blood pressure control

Take these medications exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking them without your doctor's approval, even if you feel better.

Bed Rest and Monitoring

Your doctor may recommend rest and frequent monitoring, especially if you're far from your due date. This reduces stress on your system and allows close observation for worsening symptoms.

The Only True Cure: Delivery

Here's the most important thing to understand about preeclampsia: the only cure is delivery of your baby and placenta.

Your placenta—while essential for your baby's development—is what triggers preeclampsia. Once it's delivered, preeclampsia begins to resolve. This is why your healthcare team might recommend early delivery if preeclampsia develops.

When Will My Baby Be Delivered?

If you're past 37 weeks: Your doctor will likely recommend delivery soon, even if labour hasn't started naturally. At 37+ weeks, your baby is considered "term" and can safely be born.

If you're between 34-37 weeks: Your doctor will weigh the risks of early delivery against the risks of continued pregnancy with preeclampsia. They may give you steroids to help your baby's lungs mature, then deliver within days.

If you're before 34 weeks: This is complicated. Your doctor may try to delay delivery using medications while hospitalizing you for close monitoring. They may give you steroids to help your baby's lungs develop in case early delivery becomes necessary. You'll be in hospital where emergency caesarean section is immediately available if needed.

Vaginal Birth or Caesarean?

Many women with preeclampsia can have vaginal births. Your doctor will discuss the best option based on your specific situation, your baby's position, and how your body responds to labour. Both vaginal and caesarean deliveries are safe options; what matters most is getting you and your baby born safely.

What to Do Between Antenatal Care Visits

You don't have to wait for your scheduled appointment if you experience warning signs. Here's what to do:

Recognize Your Body

You know your body better than anyone. Trust yourself. If something feels seriously wrong—if you experience any of the warning signs listed above—don't wait.

Seek Immediate Care If You Have:

• Severe headache that won't go away with rest
• Changes in vision
• Severe upper right abdominal pain
• Sudden severe swelling
• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
• Reduced foetal movement
• Severe persistent nausea or vomiting

Know Where to Go

Before you're in labour, identify the hospital where you'll deliver. Know their emergency department hours. Have the phone number saved. Know how you'll get there (own transport, family member, taxi, ambulance). If possible, arrange a birth companion who can help you get to hospital quickly.

Tell Someone You Trust

Make sure your partner, mother, sister, or close friend knows the warning signs. Encourage them to watch out for these symptoms alongside you. Sometimes people close to us notice changes we miss. Empower them to speak up if they're concerned.

What Happens After Delivery? Will Preeclampsia Go Away?

For most women, preeclampsia resolves rapidly after delivery—often within days. However, you're not completely out of the woods immediately after birth.

Postpartum Monitoring

Your healthcare team will monitor you closely for the first 6 weeks after delivery because preeclampsia can worsen after birth or develop for the first time postpartum (called postpartum preeclampsia).

• Daily blood pressure checks for the first week
• Regular urine testing to ensure protein levels are dropping
• Watch for symptoms even after you leave hospital—report any warning signs immediately
• Attend postpartum check-ups at 2 weeks and 6 weeks after delivery

Long-term Outlook

Most women recover completely from preeclampsia with no long-term effects. However, having had preeclampsia means:

• Future pregnancies have higher risk – Your chance of preeclampsia recurring is about 25%
• You should have more frequent monitoring in future pregnancies
• Low-dose aspirin may be recommended starting at 12 weeks in future pregnancies if you had severe preeclampsia
• You have slightly higher risk of high blood pressure later in life, so monitor your BP and maintain a healthy lifestyle

If you plan future pregnancies, discuss your preeclampsia history with your healthcare provider early so you can plan appropriate monitoring and prevention strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preeclampsia

Get Preeclampsia Support Through AFYA

AFYA makes antenatal care accessible and affordable. Our app connects you with healthcare providers, tracks your health metrics, and sends reminders for your appointments.