When can pre-eclampsia start?

Pre-eclampsia is linked to pregnancy and changes in the placenta and blood vessels. It may develop gradually or become noticeable during a routine check. Some people have few symptoms, so blood-pressure and urine checks remain useful even when you feel well.

The condition can first be recognised during labour or in the days after birth. Postpartum symptoms deserve the same attention as symptoms during pregnancy. Your maternity team may continue checks and explain which readings or symptoms require review.

Keep antenatal appointments and tell your clinician about previous high blood pressure, kidney disease or a pregnancy affected by pre-eclampsia. If you monitor blood pressure at home, use the method your team recommends and record symptoms beside readings. After birth, make sure you know who to contact if headache, visual changes, swelling or upper-abdominal pain appears.

Contact maternity care urgently for a severe headache that does not settle, new visual symptoms, severe pain beneath the ribs, sudden worsening swelling, breathlessness, confusion, a seizure or reduced fetal movement. After delivery, seek urgent help for these symptoms even if your pregnancy checks were reassuring.

Ask how often your blood pressure and urine will be checked, whether you need a home-monitoring plan, and which postpartum symptoms require immediate review. Ask how the team would balance monitoring, treatment and timing of birth if concerns arise.