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