Following on from Rascal's heartburn thread, I thought it might be a good idea to try and raise awareness of epigastric (under the ribs) pain in association with pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
I really don't want to panic everyone with heartburn or a baby kicking their ribs, so: ime this pain is fairly severe, long-lasting and constant; it's an "internal" pain (ie not bruising or muscular); it is not associated with the burning sensation of heartburn and is not alleviated by Gavsicon or other heartburn remedies; it may be accompanied by dark urine. This kind of pain may be an indication of liver damage as a consequence of pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome and is worth getting checked out. It can present with no other symptoms; if in doubt the mw/doctor can check for more symptoms with a blood test.
Pre-eclampsia is most common in the latter stages of pregnancy, although very rarely can occur from about 20 weeks. The more well known symptoms are headaches, visual disturbances, sudden swelling (particularly hands, feet and face), and rise in bp/protein in urine which can be checked by your mw/gp.
Happy pregnancies everyone!