When is caesarean section recommended for pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia involves pregnancy-related high blood pressure with signs that organs may be affected. The team may monitor blood pressure, urine, blood tests, symptoms and the baby's growth and wellbeing. Birth is the treatment that ends pre-eclampsia, but the timing depends on how severe it is and how far pregnancy has progressed.

A caesarean is not automatic. Induction may be possible when mother and baby are stable and there is time for labour. Caesarean birth becomes more likely when there are severe symptoms, worsening tests, concerning fetal monitoring, heavy bleeding, seizures or a need for rapid birth.

Attend blood-pressure and blood-test appointments, take prescribed medicines as directed and record symptoms clearly. Discuss the birth setting, monitoring, anaesthesia and medicines that may be used during labour. Pack your essentials and arrange support, because the plan can change if your blood pressure or the baby's assessment changes.

Seek urgent maternity care for a severe headache, vision changes, pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen, sudden swelling, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, a seizure or reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for the next appointment if these symptoms appear. Call emergency services for a seizure, collapse or serious breathing difficulty.

Ask which findings make birth advisable now, whether induction is reasonable, how the baby's monitoring affects the route of birth, and which symptoms require hospital attendance. Ask how magnesium treatment, blood-pressure control, anaesthesia and postpartum monitoring fit into your plan.