High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia

It’s important to notify your midwife and GP if you are pregnant and have a history of hypertension (high blood pressure).

If you are on blood pressure medication, and are thinking about becoming pregnant, please see your GP first to discuss your care. They may need to alter your medication tablets to those that are more suitable for your pregnancy.

There are some things you can try at home to reduce your blood pressure if it is high during pregnancy, such as healthy eating and regular, moderate exercise if you feel comfortable.

It’s important that you attend your midwifery appointments so your blood pressure can be monitored regularly. Your midwife will monitor your blood pressure at all antenatal appointments to ensure that it has no impact on your baby’s growth and development.

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is an issue thought to be caused by the placenta that can raise your blood pressure. You are at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia if you:

• have had high blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant
• have a family history of pre-eclampsia
• have diabetes, kidney disease or an auto-immune disorder

Pre-eclampsia usually develops from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards, but it can happen at any point in pregnancy. Sometimes it develops in the days and weeks after your baby is born.

Signs of pre-eclampsia

The early indicators are high blood pressure alongside protein in your urine, these will both be checked at your antenatal appointments.

As the condition develops, it can cause:

• severe headaches
• problems with your vision, such as blurring or seeing flashing lights
• severe pain just below the ribs
• vomiting or feeling sick
• a sudden swelling of the feet, ankles, face and hands

If you notice any of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia, seek advice immediately from 111 or your maternity assessment unit.

After being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you’ll be referred to a specialist for more tests. Most cases of pre-eclampsia improve soon after the baby is delivered. But there is a rare risk of it developing into eclampsia, a serious condition where high blood pressure causes seizures.

Those with pre-eclampsia have a higher risk of developing serious complications such as HELLP syndrome, a rare and life-threatening blood clotting disorder typically affecting individuals in later pregnancy or following birth. Read more about HELLP syndrome here. 

Useful links

NHS – Pre-eclampsia

Tommy’s – Pre-eclampsia information and support

NHS – High blood pressure and pregnancy

Action on pre-eclampsia