What should you know about classic signs of preeclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition involving raised blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, or placenta. A severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath can be warning symptoms. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood pressure and urine checks at antenatal appointments matter.

These symptoms can have other causes, but they should not be dismissed during pregnancy or after birth. A symptom does not establish the diagnosis; assessment may include blood pressure, urine, blood tests, and checks on the baby.

If you notice a concerning symptom, contact your maternity unit, obstetric team, or urgent care service promptly and say that you are pregnant or recently gave birth. Keep a record of when the symptom began and whether it is worsening. Attend recommended antenatal appointments, where clinicians can monitor you and the baby and discuss medicines, observation, or delivery planning if needed.

Do not stop prescribed blood-pressure medicine without advice. Your team may discuss induction of labour or caesarean section when that is safer for you or the baby.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe headache that does not improve, new vision changes, severe pain under the ribs, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, seizures, or a marked reduction in your baby’s movements. Sudden swelling with feeling very unwell also warrants prompt contact. Symptoms can appear after delivery, so seek help then as well.

Ask what your blood-pressure and urine results show, which symptoms should trigger an immediate call, how the baby will be monitored, and what treatment or timing of birth might be considered if pre-eclampsia is suspected.