What happens if pre-eclampsia is not treated?

Pre-eclampsia can reduce blood flow through the placenta, which may affect the baby's growth and wellbeing. In the pregnant person, worsening disease can cause severe headache, visual disturbance, pain under the ribs, abnormal liver or kidney function, seizures or stroke. It can also lead to separation of the placenta or problems with blood clotting. The condition may have few noticeable symptoms, so blood-pressure checks and urine or blood tests matter even when you feel well.

The only definitive way for pre-eclampsia to end is birth, but clinicians may monitor you closely and use medicines to control blood pressure or reduce seizure risk while deciding when birth is safest.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if you have been told your blood pressure is high, protein has been found in your urine, or tests are changing. Assessment may include repeated blood-pressure readings, urine checks, blood tests and monitoring of the baby's growth and heartbeat. Treatment can involve observation in hospital, blood-pressure medicine, seizure-prevention medicine and planning birth by induction or Caesarean Section when needed.

Seek urgent maternity care for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain beneath the ribs, sudden worsening swelling, shortness of breath, confusion or a seizure. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Heartburn-like pain in late pregnancy can sometimes overlap with upper-abdominal pain, so report it if it is severe, unusual or does not settle.

Ask which blood-pressure readings or test changes concern your team, how often you need monitoring, which symptoms should send you to hospital, and how you will decide between continuing the pregnancy and arranging birth.