What should you know about features of pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood pressure and urine checks at an Antenatal Care Package visit matter. Possible presentations include a persistent severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, nausea, vomiting or feeling unusually unwell. Breathlessness can occur when fluid affects the lungs. These symptoms can have other causes, but during pregnancy they require clinical advice rather than home observation.

Contact your maternity team if you develop a concerning symptom or are told that your blood pressure or urine needs rechecking. Assessment may include repeated blood pressure readings, urine testing, blood tests and checks on the baby. Management depends on gestation, severity and the wellbeing of you and the baby. It may involve closer monitoring, medicines to control blood pressure, medication to reduce seizure risk, or planning birth through Induction of Labour or Caesarean Section when that is safer.

Seek emergency maternity assessment for a severe or persistent headache, visual changes, severe upper-abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizure, fainting, heavy bleeding or a sudden major change in how you feel. Reduced or changed fetal movements also needs immediate contact with your maternity service. Do not wait for the next routine appointment if these features occur.

Ask what your blood pressure and urine results mean, whether you need extra monitoring, which symptoms should prompt an immediate call, and how treatment could affect timing and method of birth.