Pre-eclampsia side effects: symptoms and when to seek care

Pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure developing during pregnancy or after birth, with signs that organs or the placenta may be under strain. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood-pressure checks and urine testing matter. Possible effects include a persistent headache, visual changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, nausea, breathlessness or reduced urine. The condition can also affect placental blood flow and the baby's growth. These symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves, but they should not be dismissed in pregnancy or soon after delivery.

Contact your maternity team promptly if you develop a new symptom or have been told that your blood pressure or urine test is abnormal. Assessment may include repeat blood-pressure readings, urine checks, blood tests and monitoring of the baby's growth and wellbeing. Treatment can involve blood-pressure medicine, observation in hospital, or medicine to reduce seizure risk when the clinical team considers it necessary. Your care team may recommend planned birth if continuing the pregnancy becomes less safe for you or the baby. Antenatal Care Package appointments can support regular monitoring.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain under the ribs, sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, heavy bleeding, or a marked reduction in the baby's movements. Get assessed urgently for concerning symptoms after delivery too, because pre-eclampsia can first appear or worsen postpartum. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are intense, new or getting worse.

Ask which readings or test results need follow-up, whether you need home monitoring, which symptoms should prompt a hospital visit, and how medicines may affect breastfeeding or other treatments. You can also ask how the placenta and baby's growth will be checked and what birth plan would be safest if the condition changes.