What should you know about preeclampsia full term?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and signs that organs are under strain. It can appear near the end of pregnancy, even when earlier check-ups were reassuring. A clinician may check repeated blood pressure readings, urine, blood tests, symptoms, and the baby's growth and wellbeing. The balance changes at full term: continuing pregnancy may allow more time for the condition to worsen, while birth removes the pregnancy-related trigger but does not make monitoring unnecessary immediately.

Contact your maternity team promptly if pre-eclampsia has been mentioned. Keep appointments and take prescribed medicine exactly as directed; do not start aspirin, supplements, or another treatment without medical advice. Your team may discuss induction of labour or a caesarean section according to blood pressure, symptoms, test results, baby's condition, and your preferences. Antenatal care remains useful for reviewing the plan, preparing for birth, and arranging follow-up after delivery.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision, pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, heavy bleeding, or noticeably reduced baby movements. Do not wait for the next appointment if these symptoms occur. A reading taken at home can add useful information, but it does not replace assessment when you feel unwell.

Ask what your latest blood pressure and test results show, whether induction is suitable, what would make a caesarean section safer, and how you and your baby will be monitored after birth.