Nursing care for pre-eclampsia

Midwives and nurses may check blood pressure, pulse, breathing, reflexes, urine output and symptoms at intervals based on your condition. They record changes and communicate them to the obstetric team. Blood and urine samples, fetal heart monitoring and ultrasound appointments may form part of the wider plan.

Fluid balance matters because severe pre-eclampsia can affect kidney function and make excess fluid harmful. The nurse may measure drinks and urine, explain why observations are repeated, and help you rest in a position that is comfortable while keeping monitoring accurate.

Tell the nurse promptly about headache, visual changes, pain under the ribs, nausea, breathlessness, chest discomfort, confusion or a change in baby movements. Do not wait for the next scheduled observation. Share any prescribed medicines, allergies and symptoms after taking treatment.

Nursing support may include preparing you for blood tests, explaining blood-pressure medicine, checking an infusion, reducing noise if you feel unwell and arranging fetal monitoring. Antenatal follow-up can be discussed through the [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/).

Call staff immediately for a seizure, severe headache, new vision loss, severe upper-abdominal pain, sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain or feeling faint. At home, seek emergency maternity care for these symptoms, heavy bleeding or reduced baby movements rather than waiting for a nursing appointment.

Ask what each observation is checking, which results would change treatment, how long monitoring may continue after birth, and who to contact if symptoms return at home.