Pre-eclampsia before 20 weeks: what to know

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related high blood pressure condition that may affect organs or the placenta. Before 20 weeks, clinicians do not assume that raised blood pressure or protein in urine is pre-eclampsia. They review previous health, repeat measurements and investigate kidney, blood pressure and pregnancy-related causes.

You may feel completely well, or have headache, visual symptoms, swelling, upper abdominal pain, nausea or breathlessness. These symptoms need context: they do not identify the cause on their own, and testing helps guide the next step.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you have been told your blood pressure is high or your urine contains protein. Attend repeat checks and take prescribed treatment as instructed. Bring previous medical records and a list of medicines, including non-prescription products and supplements.

Ask whether you should check blood pressure at home and what reading or symptom should prompt a same-day call. Do not change medication or begin aspirin without individual advice.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe persistent headache, vision changes, severe pain below the ribs, sudden swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain. Call emergency services if you are seriously unwell or cannot travel safely.

Ask which tests are planned, what other causes are being considered, how often your blood pressure and urine will be checked, whether ultrasound monitoring is needed, and which service to contact outside clinic hours.