PlGF and pre-eclampsia: what the test can mean

The placenta releases PlGF, and its level can provide information about placental function when pre-eclampsia is suspected. A PlGF result is not a diagnosis on its own and does not replace repeated blood-pressure checks, urine assessment, blood tests, or monitoring of the baby. Your maternity team explains what your result means in the context of your gestation and symptoms.

Pre-eclampsia can involve high blood pressure and effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver. Some people have few symptoms, while others develop headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, or feeling very unwell. Read more about Pre-eclampsia and keep antenatal appointments.

Follow the maternity team’s plan for blood-pressure checks, urine samples, blood tests, and fetal monitoring. Bring a list of medicines and tell the team about headache, visual symptoms, reduced fetal movement, pain beneath the ribs, or breathlessness. An Antenatal Care Package may include several routine and targeted checks, but the exact plan is individual.

If pre-eclampsia becomes concerning, clinicians may discuss medicines, observation in hospital, induction of labour, or Caesarean Section. These decisions depend on your health, the baby’s condition, pregnancy stage, and how findings change over time.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting, breathlessness, confusion, fainting, or feeling markedly unwell. Reduced fetal movement also needs immediate maternity advice. Do not wait for a scheduled test when a warning symptom is present.

Ask why PlGF testing is being offered, when the result will be reviewed, which other tests are planned, and what symptoms should prompt immediate contact. Ask how often your blood pressure and baby will be monitored, and under what circumstances induction or Caesarean Section would be considered.