What should you know about complications of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving raised blood pressure and signs that organs are under strain. Severe disease may cause severe headache, changes in vision, pain beneath the ribs, vomiting, breathlessness, or marked swelling. It can progress to seizures, a liver and blood-clotting problem, reduced kidney function, fluid in the lungs, or stroke. The placenta may work less effectively, which can restrict the baby's growth or reduce oxygen and nutrients reaching the baby. Placental separation and early birth are also possible.

Some complications develop with few obvious symptoms, which is why blood-pressure checks, urine tests, blood tests, and ultrasound monitoring matter. Preeclampsia can first appear after birth as well as during pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you have been told you may have preeclampsia. Assessment may include repeated blood-pressure readings, urine protein testing, blood tests, and checks on the baby's growth and wellbeing. Treatment can involve blood-pressure medicine, observation in hospital, and medicine to reduce seizure risk when clinicians consider it necessary.

The timing and method of birth depend on pregnancy stage, your symptoms, test results, and the baby's condition. Care may include induction of labour or a caesarean section. Follow-up after birth is needed because blood pressure and symptoms can change during the postnatal period.

Seek emergency maternity assessment for a severe or persistent headache, blurred or flashing vision, severe pain under the ribs, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, heavy bleeding, or a noticeable reduction in the baby's movements. Do not wait for a routine appointment if these occur. A maternity team can also advise about new swelling, sudden nausea, or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask which symptoms should prompt an immediate call, how often your blood pressure and blood tests will be checked, how the baby will be monitored, and what findings would change the plan for birth.