Symptoms of pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia can cause no symptoms at first, so regular blood pressure checks are essential.

Signs found at check-ups

• Blood pressure at or above 140/90 on two readings, 4 hours apart
• Protein in the urine
• Abnormal blood tests for liver, kidney or platelets

Symptoms you may notice

• Severe or persistent headache that does not go with paracetamol
• Blurred vision, flashing lights, spots, or temporary loss of sight
• Pain in the upper right or middle belly, under the ribs
• Nausea or vomiting in later pregnancy
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet (mild ankle swelling alone is common and not a sign by itself)
• Sudden weight gain
• Breathlessness
• Baby moving less than usual

Emergency signs: go to hospital now (112 or 102)

• A fit or convulsion (eclampsia)
• Severe headache with vision changes
• Severe belly pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy bleeding or constant pain
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

After delivery

Pre-eclampsia can appear or worsen up to about 6 weeks after birth. Seek urgent help for headache, vision changes, breathlessness or swelling.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Headache and swelling are described traditionally as Vata and Pitta features. This does not replace urgent medical assessment.

Many women with severe pre-eclampsia say they felt only mildly unwell or had a headache they put down to tiredness. Trust your instincts, and get checked rather than waiting, especially in the third trimester or after delivery.

Remember

Do not wait for symptoms to settle. Report severe headache, visual changes or upper belly pain at once.