Warning signs of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving changes in blood pressure and signs that organs may be under strain. It can develop during pregnancy or after birth, and some people have few noticeable symptoms. A headache that does not settle, flashing lights or blurred vision, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, or rapid swelling of the face and hands should not be dismissed as ordinary pregnancy discomfort. Blood pressure and urine checks are often part of assessment, with blood tests or monitoring added when needed.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric team, or emergency service promptly if one of these symptoms appears. Explain that you are pregnant or recently gave birth and describe when the symptom began. Do not drive yourself if your vision is affected, you feel faint, or the symptoms are severe. Take your antenatal records and medication list if this does not delay care. A clinician may repeat your blood pressure, test urine, examine you, and check your wellbeing and the baby’s wellbeing.

Seek emergency help for severe or worsening headache, major vision disturbance, severe upper-abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or a seizure. Reduced baby movements, vaginal bleeding, or feeling suddenly very unwell also needs urgent maternity advice. These red flags call for assessment because symptoms can progress even when earlier checks were reassuring.

Ask which symptoms should bring you directly to the maternity unit, how to monitor blood pressure if home checks are advised, and when your next urine or blood assessment is due. You can also ask how preeclampsia might affect the timing and method of birth.