What to expect from antenatal care for pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition involving raised blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver. Antenatal care may therefore include repeated blood pressure readings, urine checks for protein, and blood tests. Clinicians may assess headaches, visual symptoms, upper abdominal pain and swelling, while ultrasound or other monitoring checks your baby’s growth and wellbeing. The plan depends on your findings, gestational stage and how you and your baby are doing. Learn more about [Pre-eclampsia](/conditions/pre-eclampsia/).

Attend every arranged review and take prescribed medicines as directed. Record home blood-pressure readings only if your team has asked you to, using the technique they showed you. Tell clinicians about new symptoms, medicine side effects or reduced fetal movement. Keep your maternity contact details available and ask what action to take outside clinic hours. The overall service is described in [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/).

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, severe pain below the ribs, sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting, heavy bleeding or reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for a routine appointment if these symptoms appear. A sudden increase in swelling with feeling unwell also warrants prompt advice.

Ask what your blood-pressure target is, which symptoms require immediate hospital review, how often tests will be repeated, and how your baby’s growth will be assessed. Discuss medicines, delivery planning and follow-up after birth.