---
title: "Pre-eclampsia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "Pre-eclampsia warning signs in pregnancy and after birth, including severe headache, vision changes, rib pain and sudden swelling."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/
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---

# Pre-eclampsia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

Pre-eclampsia warning signs in pregnancy and after birth, including severe headache, vision changes, rib pain and sudden swelling.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure, usually after 20 weeks but sometimes after birth. Severe headache, blurred or flashing vision, pain below the ribs, sudden swelling or feeling very unwell need immediate assessment by maternity services or NHS 111.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about pre-eclampsia

- Early signs may only be found during blood-pressure and urine checks.
- Symptoms can develop during pregnancy or in the weeks after birth.
- Prompt monitoring and treatment reduce the risk of serious complications.

## What pre-eclampsia is

Pre-eclampsia affects the placenta and the pregnant person’s circulation. Routine blood-pressure and urine checks are designed to find it early, before complications develop.

## Warning symptoms

Seek urgent help for a severe [headache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/headache/) that does not settle, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, vomiting, severe heartburn that does not respond to treatment, or feeling markedly unwell.

## Monitoring and treatment

Hospital assessment can include blood tests, urine tests and checks of the baby’s growth. Follow the maternity team’s plan and do not start [aspirin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/aspirin/) or supplements unless advised by a midwife or doctor.

## ! When to see a GP about pre-eclampsia

If pregnant, call your **maternity unit immediately** for severe headache, vision changes, pain below the ribs, sudden face or hand swelling, vomiting or feeling very unwell. After birth, or if maternity services are unavailable, call **NHS 111**. Call 999 for a seizure, collapse or severe breathing difficulty.

## Common questions about pre-eclampsia

Can pre-eclampsia happen without symptoms? Yes. Raised blood pressure and protein in urine may be detected before you feel unwell, which is why antenatal checks matter. Can pre-eclampsia happen after birth? Yes. It can first appear or continue in the days or weeks after delivery, so warning symptoms still need urgent assessment. How is pre-eclampsia treated? Care may include closer monitoring, blood-pressure medicine and planning the safest time for birth. Severe cases need hospital treatment.

## Sources

- [NHS — Pre-eclampsia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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