Early signs of pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving raised blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver. It can develop after the middle of pregnancy and sometimes after birth. Swelling alone is not enough to diagnose it, but sudden swelling of the face or hands, rapid fluid changes, or feeling unusually unwell should be reported. A headache that does not improve, flashing lights or blurred vision, pain below the ribs, vomiting later in pregnancy, or shortness of breath deserves medical assessment. Some people feel well despite abnormal blood pressure, which is why antenatal appointments include checks.

Keep scheduled antenatal appointments and tell your maternity team about new symptoms rather than waiting for the next visit. They may repeat blood pressure, test urine for protein, perform blood tests, and assess the baby. Follow prescribed treatment and monitoring instructions. Do not rely on home readings alone if you feel unwell; share the reading and symptoms with the maternity service. Treatment decisions depend on pregnancy stage, test results, and the wellbeing of you and your baby.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for severe or persistent headache, vision disturbance, severe pain under the ribs, sudden facial swelling, breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, or feeling seriously unwell. Seek emergency help for a seizure, collapse, or severe breathing difficulty. After birth, these warning signs still need prompt attention. Early assessment can guide monitoring and decisions about induction of labour or caesarean section when clinically necessary.

Ask: What is my blood pressure today? Were protein or blood results abnormal? How often should I be monitored? Which symptoms mean I should call immediately? How could this affect timing or mode of birth?