Pre-eclampsia at 18 weeks pregnant: what to know

Pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure that begins during pregnancy and may affect the kidneys, liver, blood cells or placenta. At 18 weeks, a raised reading or protein in urine does not by itself confirm the condition. The maternity team may repeat readings, examine urine, request blood tests and arrange ultrasound monitoring.

Some people notice headache, visual disturbance, pain in the upper abdomen, swelling or breathlessness; others feel well. The condition presents through measurable changes as well as symptoms, which is why scheduled antenatal checks matter.

Follow the appointment plan given by your maternity team and record symptoms or home readings if they have asked you to do so. Use only medicines approved for pregnancy, including pain relief, and tell the team about every prescription, over-the-counter product and supplement.

Ask who to call during evenings or weekends. If monitoring becomes more frequent, this is to track your health and the pregnancy so decisions can be made from changing results rather than one reading.

Seek urgent maternity care for a severe headache that does not settle, changes in vision, severe pain under the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, vaginal bleeding or strong abdominal pain. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe or you cannot get to care safely.

Ask what your blood pressure and urine results show, whether blood tests or ultrasound are needed, what symptoms should trigger a same-day call, and how the monitoring schedule may change.