Pregnancy health

Minor health issues
Stretch marks | Weight gain | Morning sickness | Tiredness | Constipation | Swollen ankles and fingers

Serious health issues
Hyperemesis | Cholestasis | Symphysis pubis dysfunction | Vaginal bleeding | Gestational diabetes

High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia

One of the reasons your blood pressure's checked at every antenatal appointment is because high blood pressure can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia. It can reduce the blood flow to the placenta, which can then restrict your baby's growth because not enough oxygen or nutrients are getting through.

It affects about one in four women and usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy. Your age, weight, genetics and how many babies you're expecting can affect your risk.

Raised blood pressure may be the only symptom you get, although others are:

• Headaches
• Sudden swelling or unexplained weight gain
• Visual disturbances
• Upper abdominal pain

"I had no symptoms I was aware of other than major swelling, which I had for weeks before pre-eclampsia was diagnosed. I went for my routine MW appt and had +++ protein in my urine and high BP, those to symptoms combined with the swelling meant she sent me straight to the hospital." Artichokes

The hospital will check your urine for traces of protein (which indicates kidney problems), another symptom.

"At the hospital they kept me in, made me save every drop of urine I created in 24 hours (that was fun, I had to carry a big jug of pee everywhere I went). That 24-hour urine collection suggested my kidneys were not functioning right. The induced me straight away and 36 hours late DD arrived." Artichokes

You can't prevent pre-eclampsia, but once it's detected you'll be monitored.

Treatment may involve:

• Regular check-ups
• Drugs to lower your blood pressure
• Complete bed rest at home or in hospital

The only way to prevent it once it's detected is to deliver your baby, but obviously being born too early can cause other problems.

Very rarely, women go on to develop eclampsia (a Greek word meaning 'bolt from the blue), a life-threatening condition for you and your baby that causes seizures and can lead to coma, or HELLP syndrome, a combined liver and blood clotting disorder.

"I went from absolutely fine to my liver failing entirely within four hours." Whomovedmychocolate

"I had severe pre-eclampsia leading to HELLP syndrome before the birth of dd. I was very lucky not to have convulsions. My reflexes were amazing, if someone toughed my knee my whole leg flew up in the air uncontrollably, a sign of cerebral irritability which means that you are very likely to fit." LaDiDaD

So if you're at all concerned - and particularly if you've already been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia - get seen by a midwife or doctor as soon as you can.

Minor health issues
Stretch marks | Weight gain | Morning sickness | Tiredness | Constipation | Swollen ankles and fingers

Serious health issues
Hyperemesis | Cholestasis | Symphysis pubis dysfunction | Vaginal bleeding | Gestational diabetes