Preeclampsia (pre-eclampsia) symptoms: warning signs and when to call

The NHS says these need checking immediately, if you’re pregnant or gave birth recently. Call your maternity unit or ob-gyn. In the UK, if you’ve recently given birth or don’t have the number, call 111.

• A severe headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
• Blurred vision or flashing lights
• Pain below your ribs
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• Feeling very unwell
• Heartburn that doesn’t ease with medicine
• Being sick
• Difficulty breathing, listed by ACOG

The NHS says it’s most likely from 20 weeks, but can happen at any point, and also in the days or weeks after birth. High blood pressure and protein in your urine are unlikely to be noticed by you, so keep going to your appointments even if you feel well.

Your risk is higher if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or an autoimmune condition, or you’ve had pre-eclampsia before. Other things that can raise the chance:

• This is your first pregnancy
• You’re 40 or over
• You’re Black or South Asian
• You’re having twins or more
• A relative has had it
• It’s been 10 years or more since your last pregnancy
• A BMI of 35 or more

If you’re at higher risk, your team may advise low-dose aspirin. The NHS says this is taken every day from week 12 until birth. Don’t start it yourself.

The NHS says there’s no cure. You may have medicine to lower your blood pressure, and it’s often safer for your baby to be born early, in some cases before 37 weeks. You’ll also be monitored after the birth. Most cases aren’t severe, but it can lead to serious complications, including seizures, stroke and stillbirth.