Preeclampsia hypertension treatment

Preeclampsia is assessed by looking at blood pressure alongside symptoms, urine protein and blood tests. Clinicians also consider how the pregnancy is progressing and whether there are signs that the mother or baby needs closer observation. Treatment may involve community follow-up, hospital monitoring or urgent care depending on the findings.

Medicines can lower blood pressure and reduce strain on organs. Some situations also require medicine to reduce seizure risk or a plan for delivery. The exact choice depends on pregnancy stage, test results, other conditions and whether breastfeeding is relevant after birth.

Attend every monitoring appointment and bring a list of medicines, home readings and symptoms. Take treatment at the prescribed times, and ask before using non-prescription medicines or supplements. Do not alter a dose because a single reading improves. After delivery, continue the planned checks because blood pressure can remain raised or change during the postnatal period.

Get urgent medical help for a severe headache, flashing lights or loss of vision, severe upper-abdominal pain, chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, fainting or a seizure. Tell the maternity or emergency team that you have, or may have, preeclampsia. A sudden deterioration requires assessment even if the most recent reading was reassuring.

Ask what your target readings are, which tests are planned, what each medicine does, whether it is suitable during breastfeeding, how the baby will be monitored, and which symptoms mean you should attend hospital immediately.