Effects of Pre-eclampsia on the Mother

The condition can cause high blood pressure and affect kidney function, liver function, the nervous system and blood clotting. Fluid can build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Warning symptoms may include a severe headache, blurred or flashing vision, pain under the ribs, nausea, vomiting or sudden swelling. A person may have serious changes without feeling unwell, so clinical checks remain important. [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/) gives an overview of the condition.

Keep every maternity appointment and take prescribed blood-pressure medicine exactly as directed. Your team may repeat blood and urine tests, observe symptoms, assess fetal wellbeing and decide whether you need hospital care. Rest advice should be individualised; do not rely on bed rest or home blood-pressure readings as a substitute for assessment. The plan may include continuing pregnancy with surveillance or arranging birth when that is safer. [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/) supports ongoing checks.

Seek urgent maternity advice for severe headache, visual disturbance, severe upper-abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, a seizure or a sudden deterioration. After birth, continue to take these symptoms seriously because pre-eclampsia can present or worsen in the postpartum period. Call emergency services for a seizure, severe breathing difficulty or loss of consciousness. Birth may be induced or delivered by [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) when the clinical team advises it.

Ask which organs are being monitored, what your blood-pressure target is, which medicine effects to watch for, how long follow-up will continue after birth, and which symptoms mean you should attend hospital immediately.