Pre-eclampsia patient information

Some people have no noticeable symptoms, which is why antenatal checks matter. Possible features include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling, pain beneath the ribs, nausea, vomiting, or breathlessness. These symptoms can have other causes, and tests are needed to understand what is happening.

Assessment may include repeated blood-pressure readings, urine checks, blood tests, and monitoring the baby's growth and wellbeing. The condition can develop during pregnancy or after birth, so feeling better immediately after delivery does not remove the need for follow-up.

Keep every maternity appointment and report new symptoms rather than waiting for the next visit. Take prescribed medicines as directed, record symptoms and readings if your clinician asks, and ask for a clear plan for out-of-hours contact. Do not start or stop a medicine, including pain relief, without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy.

Your care may involve closer observation, medication to lower blood pressure, treatment to prevent seizures in severe illness, or planning birth when that is safer for you or the baby. The plan is individual and can change as results change.

Seek emergency help for a severe headache that does not improve, vision loss or flashing lights, severe upper abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a seizure, heavy bleeding, or reduced fetal movement. Tell staff that you are pregnant or recently gave birth and may have pre-eclampsia.

Ask how your blood pressure and urine results will be followed, which symptoms require immediate attendance, whether medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, and what monitoring your baby needs. Ask when delivery might be recommended and whether induction or caesarean birth could be part of the plan.