Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure. It is most likely from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, but it can happen at any point in pregnancy and sometimes in the days or weeks after birth. Most cases are mild, but it can become serious for you and your baby, so it is important to know the signs.
Early signs you may not notice
The earliest signs are high blood pressure and protein in your urine. You are unlikely to notice these yourself, which is why your blood pressure and urine are checked at your routine antenatal appointments. Try not to miss these checks.
Symptoms that need urgent attention
- A severe headache that does not go away with simple painkillers
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing flashing lights
- Pain just below the ribs
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Feeling very unwell, or being sick
If you have any of these, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. If you cannot reach them, call your local emergency number. Do not wait for your next appointment.
Who is more likely to get it?
- Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy
- An autoimmune condition such as lupus
- A first pregnancy, a twin pregnancy, or being 40 or older
- A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more
If you are at higher risk, your doctor may advise taking low-dose aspirin every day from 12 weeks of pregnancy until birth. Do not start aspirin or other supplements unless a doctor or midwife has advised it.
How it is treated
You will usually have extra checks of your blood pressure, urine and blood, and scans to see how your baby is growing. Many people are given medicine to lower blood pressure. The only cure is giving birth, so if pre-eclampsia becomes severe your care team may recommend delivering your baby early.
After birth
Symptoms usually go away after the birth, but they can continue or even start afterwards. You may need blood pressure medicine for a few weeks and regular blood pressure checks. Get urgent help if you develop any of the warning symptoms after your baby is born.
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