Pre-eclampsia during labour

Pre-eclampsia can continue or worsen during labour, so your team may check blood pressure regularly, ask about headache or vision changes, measure urine output and repeat blood tests. Continuous or frequent monitoring of the baby's heart rate may be recommended when there are concerns about placental blood flow or your condition.

The plan balances your health, the baby's condition, pregnancy stage and how labour is progressing. Pre-eclampsia does not automatically mean a caesarean birth; induction or vaginal birth may be suitable when the clinical team considers it safe.

Tell your midwife or doctor immediately about a worsening headache, changes in vision, upper-abdominal pain, breathlessness, nausea, or feeling suddenly unwell. Keep your care team informed about baby movements and take medicines exactly as directed. Ask before taking additional pain or cold medicines.

Medicines may be used to control blood pressure or reduce the risk of seizures. Fluids are managed carefully, and the team may discuss [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/) or [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) if birth needs to happen promptly.

If you are at home, go to maternity triage or emergency care for severe headache, visual changes, severe pain under the ribs, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a seizure, vaginal bleeding, or reduced baby movements. If you are already in labour, use the call bell or tell staff straight away.

Ask how often monitoring will occur, what your blood-pressure target is, whether medicines will continue after birth, and what would change the recommended method or timing of delivery.