What are the warning signs of pre-eclampsia?
A bad headache and flashing lights in late pregnancy can be an emergency.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Call your midwife, maternity unit or doctor right away if you have a severe headache, vision problems (blurring or flashing lights), pain just below your ribs, vomiting, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet — usually after 20 weeks, and even after birth.
Why it matters
Pre-eclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure and organ strain that develops after 20 weeks. It can become dangerous for mother and baby if not treated.
It can also appear after birth — usually in the first few days but up to around 6 weeks — so keep watching for symptoms postpartum.
That’s why your blood pressure and urine are checked at every appointment. People at higher risk may be offered low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks.
What to do
- Learn the symptoms and don’t dismiss a severe headache as “just tiredness”.
- Call your maternity unit the same day if symptoms appear.
- Keep every antenatal appointment — blood pressure checks catch it early.
Common questions
Can you get pre-eclampsia after giving birth?
Yes. Postpartum pre-eclampsia usually occurs within days of birth but can happen up to about six weeks later.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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