What should you know about pre-eclampsia at 38 weeks?

The condition affects blood pressure and can involve organs such as the kidneys, liver or brain, as well as the placenta. Because you are near the end of pregnancy, your obstetric team may discuss giving birth rather than continuing the pregnancy.

Assessment commonly includes repeated blood-pressure readings, a urine test for protein and blood tests that check platelets, kidney function and liver function. The team also asks about symptoms and reviews your overall wellbeing.

Your baby's wellbeing may be checked with heart-rate monitoring, ultrasound measurements, amniotic-fluid assessment or Doppler blood-flow studies. Pre-eclampsia can be present without noticeable symptoms, which is why objective checks remain necessary.

Attend the maternity assessment recommended by your team and take prescribed blood-pressure medicine exactly as directed. Do not change or stop medication on your own. Home readings are useful only when your team has supplied a clear monitoring and escalation plan.

Birth is the definitive way to end the pregnancy-related disease process, although monitoring continues after delivery because blood pressure and symptoms can persist or worsen. The method of birth depends on your condition, your baby's wellbeing, cervical readiness and previous birth history; induction or caesarean birth may be discussed.

Contact maternity triage immediately for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting, breathlessness, or feeling markedly unwell. Do not wait for your next routine appointment.

Reduced or changed fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, collapse, a seizure, severe breathing difficulty or intense chest pain also require urgent help. Use local emergency services if symptoms are severe or you cannot reach maternity triage safely.

Ask which findings confirm the diagnosis, whether any organs are affected, how your baby is being monitored and what would change the timing of birth. Clarify the recommended birth method, pain-relief options, medicines during labour and the blood-pressure follow-up you will need after delivery.