Pregnancy and maternity
Pre-eclampsia: monitoring high blood pressure during pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy combining high blood pressure that appears after the start of pregnancy with signs of organ damage or other abnormalities according to medical criteria. It can threaten both the mother and the baby.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- Antenatal appointments regularly measure blood pressure and look for associated signs.
- Severe headaches, vision problems or pain in the upper abdomen are warning signs.
- What to do depends on how far along the pregnancy is and on severity.
Who can be affected?
Pre-eclampsia can occur even without any previous history. Certain factors increase the risk, in particular previous pre-eclampsia, chronic high blood pressure, kidney disease or a multiple pregnancy. The team assesses this risk early and discusses appropriate preventive measures; no preventive treatment should be started on one’s own initiative.
Which signs should prompt a quick consultation?
Unusual headaches, blurred vision, pain under the ribs, breathlessness or sudden swelling with other symptoms justify prompt assessment. Seizures are a life-threatening emergency. The absence of symptoms is not reassuring if the blood pressure or test results are abnormal.
What assessment is carried out?
Repeated blood pressure measurements and urine and blood tests assess in particular the kidneys, liver and platelets. Fetal monitoring assesses the baby’s growth and well-being. The assessment is repeated according to progress, because the situation can change.
Why monitor after the birth?
High blood pressure and complications may persist or appear after delivery. A follow-up plan and the warning signs should be given to the mother. In the longer term, cardiovascular risk deserves particular attention.
Useful questions to ask
- Which results suggest organ damage?
- What is the monitoring plan for the mother and the baby?
- Which symptoms mean I should come back after discharge?
Frequently asked questions
Can it appear after delivery?
Yes. Monitoring remains important in the following days.
Does swelling alone confirm the diagnosis?
No. It must be interpreted together with blood pressure and the rest of the assessment.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
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How are treatment and delivery decided?
The strategy combines monitoring, medicines to control blood pressure in certain situations and seizure prevention when indicated. Delivery is the definitive treatment of this pregnancy-related disease, but its timing depends on how far along the pregnancy is, the condition of the mother and the baby, and severity. This decision is taken as a team.