Facial swelling and preeclampsia: what to know

Some swelling can occur during pregnancy, but sudden or marked puffiness of the face or hands may accompany preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition involving raised blood pressure and possible effects on organs. Facial swelling alone cannot diagnose it. A maternity team may check blood pressure, urine, symptoms, and blood tests. Allergy, sinusitis, cellulitis, and other causes remain possible, so describe exactly when the change began.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent service promptly about new facial swelling during pregnancy or after birth. Mention your gestational stage or time since delivery, headache, visual symptoms, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness, nausea, and reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are new or worsening, and do not take someone else’s blood-pressure medicine.

Go to emergency care for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain beneath the ribs, seizures, confusion, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden deterioration. Facial swelling with lip, tongue, or throat swelling and breathing difficulty may instead signal anaphylaxis and also requires immediate emergency help.

What is my blood pressure, and does my urine need checking? Which symptoms mean I should return immediately? Should I monitor anything at home, and when should my baby be assessed?