Quick answer
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure, usually after 20 weeks but sometimes after birth. Severe headache, blurred or flashing vision, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling or feeling very unwell need immediate assessment by maternity services or NHS 111.
What pre-eclampsia is
Pre-eclampsia affects the placenta and the pregnant person’s circulation. Routine blood-pressure and urine checks are designed to find it early, before complications develop.
Warning symptoms
Seek urgent help for a severe headache that does not settle, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, vomiting, severe heartburn that does not respond to treatment, or feeling markedly unwell.
Monitoring and treatment
Hospital assessment can include blood tests, urine tests and checks of the baby’s growth. Follow the maternity team’s plan and do not start aspirin or supplements unless advised by a midwife or doctor.
Common questions about pre-eclampsia
- Can pre-eclampsia happen without symptoms?
- Yes. Raised blood pressure and protein in urine may be detected before you feel unwell, which is why antenatal checks matter.
- Can pre-eclampsia happen after birth?
- Yes. It can first appear or continue in the days or weeks after delivery, so warning symptoms still need urgent assessment.
- How is pre-eclampsia treated?
- Care may include closer monitoring, blood-pressure medicine and planning the safest time for birth. Severe cases need hospital treatment.