What should you know about high risk for preeclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition involving raised blood pressure and signs that organs are under strain. Risk can be higher with a previous affected pregnancy, existing high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or a multiple pregnancy. Having a risk factor does not mean pre-eclampsia will develop.

Antenatal visits may include blood pressure checks, urine testing, blood tests, symptom review and assessment of the baby’s growth. The care team may also discuss preventive medicine when it is suitable for you. Follow the plan even when you feel well.

Attend your antenatal appointments and tell the team about headaches, visual changes, swelling, upper abdominal pain, nausea that feels unusual, or reduced baby movements. Take prescribed medicines as directed and ask before using over-the-counter products. Keep a record of home blood pressure readings if your team has asked you to monitor them.

If pre-eclampsia develops, management depends on how severe it is, how far pregnancy has progressed, and how you and the baby are doing. The team may discuss induction of labour or caesarean section when birth is safer than continuing pregnancy.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe headache that does not settle, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain beneath the ribs, sudden marked swelling, breathlessness, chest pain, seizures, or noticeably reduced baby movements. Do not wait for the next scheduled visit.

What makes my pregnancy higher risk, and how often will I be reviewed? Should I monitor blood pressure at home? Which symptoms need emergency assessment, and how would you decide between continued monitoring, induction or caesarean birth?