What is the first treatment for pre-eclampsia?

The maternity team checks blood pressure, urine, blood tests and symptoms such as headache or visual change. They may monitor the baby's growth, movements and heart rate. Treatment is aimed at reducing immediate risks while deciding how long pregnancy can safely continue.

Blood-pressure medicine may be prescribed, and magnesium treatment may be considered when there is concern about seizures. The only way to end pre-eclampsia is birth, so induction of labour or caesarean section may be discussed when the balance changes.

Follow the monitoring plan exactly and take medicines at the prescribed times. Report new symptoms rather than waiting for the next visit. Keep your maternity contact details available, arrange transport and ask who should accompany you if hospital review or birth becomes necessary.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain below the ribs, sudden swelling, vomiting, breathlessness, reduced fetal movements or vaginal bleeding. Call emergency services for a seizure, collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

Ask how severe the condition is, which symptoms require immediate return, how often monitoring is needed and what findings would lead to induction or caesarean birth.