Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can affect both you and your pēpi (baby) during pregnancy. It causes your blood vessels to narrow, making it harder for blood to flow. This causes high blood pressure and reduces the amount of blood reaching organs such as your brain, kidneys and liver. While preeclampsia normally develops later in pregnancy, it can happen as early as 20 weeks.

On this page

Symptoms of preeclampsia

You may not feel unwell or notice any symptoms. This is why regular urine and blood pressure checks during pregnancy are important, as they can detect early signs of pre-eclampsia. High blood pressure on its own does not usually cause any symptoms.

Possible symptoms of pre-eclampsia include:

  • high blood pressure
  • protein in your wee (detected by tests)
  • your hands, feet or face are swollen
  • you have severe headaches
  • you have vision changes like blurred vision or you are seeing flashing lights
  • you are vomiting
  • you have difficulty breathing
  • you feel pain in top of your tummy, just below the ribs.
  • you have sudden weight gain due to fluid retention.
Get immediate medical advice if you develop any of these symptoms during your pregnancy

When you are at risk of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is more common if you:

  • are having your first baby
  • are having your first baby with a new partner
  • have a history of high blood pressure
  • have diabetes
  • are expecting twins or more
  • have a family history of pre-eclampsia

How preeclampsia affects your body

In preeclampsia, blood vessels become narrower, making it harder for blood to flow. This increases blood pressure and reduces the amount of blood reaching organs like your brain, kidneys, and liver.

Risks of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both you and pēpi if not managed carefully.

Risks for you

  • Damage to your liver or kidneys.
  • Heavy bleeding from the placenta.
  • An increased risk of having a stroke.
  • Seizures (eclampsia) which is a life-threatening complication.

Risks for your pēpi

  • Slower growth due to reduced blood flow.
  • A higher chance of early birth (before 37 weeks).
  • An increased risk of your pēpi being stillborn.

Treatment and management of preeclampsia

Once preeclampsia develops, it does not go away until after pēpi is born. Treatment focuses on keeping the condition stable for as long as possible to allow pēpi to grow.

Treatment options

  • Regular monitoring of blood pressure, urine tests, and blood tests.
  • Regular checks on the wellbeing of pēpi.
  • Resting to help lower your blood pressure.
  • Medication to reduce high blood pressure if needed.

Severe preeclampsia

If preeclampsia becomes severe, the only treatment is to deliver your pēpi. This may need to happen before pēpi is due to protect you and your pēpi.