Pre-eclampsia at six months pregnant

Pre-eclampsia can appear after the middle of pregnancy and may begin with high blood pressure or protein in urine, although symptoms are not always present. The maternity team may repeat blood pressure and urine tests, check blood tests, assess the baby’s growth and monitor movements. Findings can range from a need for closer observation to a situation requiring hospital care. The condition is diagnosed from the overall picture, not from swelling or one home reading alone.

Contact your maternity team the same day if you have a new high reading or symptoms. Take medicines exactly as prescribed, rest according to clinical advice and attend monitoring appointments. Do not change medication, restrict food or fluids, or take a supplement to treat blood pressure without guidance. Your team may discuss continued observation, medicines, fetal monitoring and, if health becomes unsafe, [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/) or [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/).

Seek urgent maternity care for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, breathlessness, chest pain, repeated vomiting or feeling very unwell. Call emergency services for a seizure, collapse or severe difficulty breathing. Report reduced fetal movement immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.

What do my blood pressure and urine results show? How often will I need checks? How will you monitor the baby, and which symptoms mean I should go straight to hospital?