# Pre-eclampsia: signs, checks and when to call > Why your blood pressure and pee are tested, and the symptoms never to wait on Category: Pregnancy & postpartum · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026 URL: https://splash.care/learn/pregnancy-postpartum/pre-eclampsia ## Quick answer - Pre-eclampsia is usually found by routine blood pressure and pee checks, so go to every appointment. - Severe headache, vision changes, rib pain, sudden swelling or vomiting need a call straight away. - It can start after the birth as well. - People at higher risk may be advised to take low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks, only on advice. [Pre-eclampsia](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#pre-eclampsia) is a [pregnancy](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) condition that causes high blood pressure. Most cases are mild and found at routine checks, which is exactly why every appointment includes a blood pressure reading and a pee test. In a small number of people it becomes serious, so it is worth knowing the warning signs. **1 to 5 in 100** pregnant people get pre-eclampsia, according to the RCOG. It is more common in a first pregnancy. ## Symptoms to take seriously You may feel completely well. If symptoms happen, they are usually later in pregnancy, but they can start after the birth too. - A severe headache that does not go away with simple painkillers - Vision changes, like blurred sight or flashing lights - Pain just below your ribs - Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet - Heartburn that does not go away with heartburn medicine - Being sick (vomiting), or feeling very unwell **Quick quiz:** You are 33 weeks pregnant with a bad headache that paracetamol has not touched, and your vision is blurry. What should you do? 1. Wait for your next appointment 2. Call your maternity unit straight away 3. Drink more water and rest Answer: Call your maternity unit straight away. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia. The NHS says any of them can be serious and need to be checked immediately, not tomorrow. ## Who is more likely to get it? Anyone can. The NHS lists a higher chance if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or an autoimmune condition like lupus, or you had pre-eclampsia before. Other factors include it being your first pregnancy, being 40 or over, being from a Black or South Asian background, having twins or more, a close relative who had it, 10 or more years since your last pregnancy, or a BMI of 35 or more before pregnancy. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get it. ## Can it be reduced? At your booking appointment, and again in the second [trimester](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/trimester), your midwife checks your risk. NICE says people at higher risk should take 75 to 150mg of aspirin daily from 12 weeks until the birth. Only take it if a midwife or [doctor](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) advises you to, and do not start calcium or aspirin on your own. Going to every appointment is the best protection. ## Treatment There is no cure except having the baby, which is why timing of birth is carefully planned. You may have extra checks, scans and medicine to lower your blood pressure. If pre-eclampsia is severe, you will be looked after in hospital. Birth is often advised by 37 weeks, or sooner if you or the baby become unwell. Blood pressure checks continue after you go home, and symptoms usually go once the baby is born. > **Splash says:** keep your maternity notes and phone number handy, and if you have a home blood pressure monitor because your team asked you to, log readings so you can share them. ### When to see a doctor Call your maternity unit straight away, day or night, with any of the symptoms above. If you have recently given birth or cannot reach them, call NHS 111. Call 999 if you have a fit (seizure), collapse, or sudden severe symptoms. Pre-eclampsia can start in the days and weeks after birth, so the symptoms matter then too. ## Sources 1. [NHS: Pre-eclampsia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/) 2. [RCOG: Pre-eclampsia](https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/pre-eclampsia/) 3. [NICE NG133: Hypertension in pregnancy](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng133) 4. [Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC)](https://action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk/) This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).