How common is vision changes in pregnancy in pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia can affect blood vessels and organs, including the brain and eyes. Visual symptoms may accompany a severe headache, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, nausea, or feeling unwell, but they can also appear on their own. The symptom does not determine the diagnosis; a maternity team needs to check blood pressure, urine, blood tests, and the baby's wellbeing.

Contact your maternity unit or emergency services immediately for new visual changes during pregnancy or after birth. Do not drive yourself. Explain that you have visual symptoms and say how far along the pregnancy is, or when you gave birth. While waiting, rest on your side and keep your phone nearby. Do not delay care to recheck the symptom at home.

Call emergency services for visual loss, flashing lights with a severe headache, confusion, collapse, a seizure, trouble breathing, or severe upper-abdominal pain. These warning signs can indicate worsening disease and need immediate assessment, including after delivery.

Ask what your blood-pressure and laboratory results mean, whether you need monitoring or medication, and how the pregnancy will be followed. Ask for clear instructions about symptoms that require immediate return.