Signs of preeclampsia at 36 weeks

Late pregnancy symptoms can overlap with normal discomfort, but a persistent headache, flashing lights, blurred vision, pain under the ribs, vomiting, breathlessness or feeling suddenly unwell needs maternity advice. Preeclampsia may also be found through raised blood pressure or protein in urine when you feel normal. Assessment helps the team judge your health, placental function and baby's wellbeing.

Call your maternity unit now for advice about any warning sign at 36 weeks. Expect checks of blood pressure, urine, blood tests and the baby's heart rate or growth. Follow the plan given by your obstetric team and do not take someone else's blood-pressure medicine. Depending on results, clinicians may monitor closely, recommend induction of labour or discuss caesarean birth.

Attend emergency maternity care for severe headache, vision loss or major visual changes, severe pain below the ribs, trouble breathing, seizure, fainting, confusion or rapidly worsening illness. Ask someone to take you or call emergency services if you are too unwell to travel safely.

Are my blood pressure and urine reassuring? What tests will be repeated? How is the baby being monitored? What would make you recommend induction or caesarean birth, and what should I do overnight if symptoms return?