Diagnosing pre-eclampsia: what to expect

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and signs that organs may be under strain. A clinician may check urine for protein, test kidney and liver function, and measure blood cells. They may also ask about headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, nausea or feeling unusually unwell. Baby checks can include growth assessment, movement review and monitoring the heartbeat. One reading or one symptom does not provide the whole picture, so follow-up measurements help guide the diagnosis.

Attend the recommended maternity appointments and take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Keep a note of new symptoms, when they began and whether they are worsening. Your maternity team may arrange closer blood pressure checks, urine or blood testing, and monitoring of your baby. If the condition becomes more severe or pregnancy timing makes delivery safer, the team may discuss planned birth, induction or caesarean section. You can read about [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/), [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/) and [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/).

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, strong pain under the ribs, sudden breathlessness, heavy swelling of the face or hands, vomiting with feeling very unwell, bleeding, or reduced baby movements. A seizure, collapse or severe breathing difficulty is an emergency: call emergency services and do not drive yourself. These warning signs need prompt assessment regardless of any earlier blood pressure result.

Ask which results support or argue against pre-eclampsia, how often your blood pressure and urine should be checked, which symptoms require immediate attendance, and how your baby will be monitored. Ask what medicines are planned, whether activity or work needs adjustment, and when induction or caesarean section might be considered.