Reproductive health
Medicines for Pre-eclampsia
A pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can become serious for mother and baby — closely monitored, with delivery being the definitive treatment.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that develops in the second half of pregnancy (usually after 20 weeks) or shortly after birth, involving high blood pressure together with signs that organs such as the kidneys are affected (often shown by protein in the urine). It arises from a problem with the placenta.
- How it is treated: Pre-eclampsia is managed by the maternity team with close monitoring of the mother's blood pressure, blood and urine tests, and the baby's wellbeing.
- Self-care: Attending all antenatal appointments (where blood pressure and urine are checked) is the key to early detection.
- When to seek help: Contact your maternity team urgently for a severe headache, vision problems (blurring or flashing lights), pain just below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, or feeling very unwell in pregnancy or soon after birth.
What it is
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that develops in the second half of pregnancy (usually after 20 weeks) or shortly after birth, involving high blood pressure together with signs that organs such as the kidneys are affected (often shown by protein in the urine). It arises from a problem with the placenta. Many women have no symptoms at first, which is why blood pressure and urine are checked at every antenatal appointment. When symptoms occur, warning signs include severe headache, vision problems, upper tummy pain (below the ribs), sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, and feeling generally very unwell. If untreated it can lead to serious complications for mother and baby, so it is taken very seriously.
How it is treated
Pre-eclampsia is managed by the maternity team with close monitoring of the mother's blood pressure, blood and urine tests, and the baby's wellbeing. Medicines are used to control blood pressure and, when appropriate, to protect the baby and reduce risks. The only definitive cure is delivery of the baby and placenta, so the timing of birth is carefully balanced against the baby's maturity; severe pre-eclampsia may require earlier delivery. Women at higher risk may be offered preventive low-dose aspirin during pregnancy. After birth, blood pressure is monitored, as pre-eclampsia can occur or persist in the days afterwards.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Pre-eclampsia
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Attending all antenatal appointments (where blood pressure and urine are checked) is the key to early detection. Women at higher risk may be advised to take low-dose aspirin in pregnancy. Knowing the warning symptoms allows prompt help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Contact your maternity team urgently for a severe headache, vision problems (blurring or flashing lights), pain just below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, or feeling very unwell in pregnancy or soon after birth. Call 999 for a fit (seizure).
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Pre-eclampsia: frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs of pre-eclampsia?
Severe headache, vision problems, pain just below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, and feeling very unwell. Many women have no early symptoms, which is why antenatal checks matter.
How is pre-eclampsia treated?
With close monitoring and medicines to control blood pressure, but the only cure is delivery of the baby. The timing of birth is carefully balanced with the baby's maturity by the maternity team.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG133 — Hypertension in pregnancy
- NHS — Pre-eclampsia
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