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Warning-sign checks

Preeclampsia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for a seizure, severe trouble breathing, chest pain, collapse, confusion, weakness on one side, or difficulty speaking.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your maternity assessment service urgently if you are pregnant or recently gave birth and develop:

    • A severe or persistent headache
    • Blurred vision, flashing lights, or loss of vision
    • Strong pain below the ribs or in the upper abdomen
    • Sudden swelling of the face or hands
    • New vomiting with headache or abdominal pain
    • A home blood pressure reading in the severe range, such as 160/110 mmHg or higher
    • Reduced or changed baby movements

    Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms are present.

    Contact your care team sooner if symptoms return or your home readings are repeatedly above the range they gave you.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine follow-up, attend planned blood pressure checks, blood tests, scans, and postnatal reviews even if you feel well.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Preeclampsia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.