Pre Eclampsia: Symptoms, Risks, and Why Early Recognition Matters

Pre‑eclampsia is one of the most significant complications that can occur during pregnancy, affecting thousands of women each year in the UK and globally. Though often manageable when recognised promptly, it can pose serious risks to both mother and baby if left untreated.

What is pre‑eclampsia?

Pre‑eclampsia is a pregnancy‑specific condition characterised by:

The condition is driven by the placenta, which develops abnormally in pre‑eclampsia and affects the way blood vessels function. This causes fluid to leak from blood vessels, and the fluid collects in surrounding tissues and results in the various symptoms experienced.

Unfortunately, many women report that their concerns during pregnancy are sometimes dismissed or minimised, and this can be particularly dangerous. Symptoms—especially swelling or rib pain—are often attributed to “normal pregnancy changes” or explained away as unrelated issues, when in fact they can be early warning signs of a serious condition. Being told these symptoms are “to be expected” can delay essential assessment and treatment.

For this reason, it is crucial that mothers‑to‑be feel empowered to speak up and seek further review if something does not feel right, even if they have been reassured previously. Persistent symptoms, or a sense that something is wrong, should never be ignored. Listening carefully to women and taking their concerns seriously is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Who is at risk?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing pre‑eclampsia. These include:

The main way that pre‑eclampsia is identified is through routine antenatal checks. If anything is concerning, additional investigations such as extra blood tests and fetal monitoring may be used to assess organ function and the baby’s wellbeing.

Many women with no obvious risk factors can still develop the condition — which is why routine antenatal checks are so essential.

Risks of missing pre‑eclampsia

Maternal risks:

Fetal risks:

Awareness remains one of the most valuable tools in reducing complications from pre‑eclampsia. Many of the most serious consequences are preventable when women are closely monitored, symptoms are taken seriously, and treatment is timely and appropriate. Antenatal appointments play a crucial role in early detection, and women should feel confident in contacting their maternity team if something does not feel right. Trusting instincts is important; no concern is too small when it comes to maternal health.

Although pre‑eclampsia can be a frightening diagnosis, most women who develop it go on to have healthy pregnancies and safe births with the help of modern maternity care. Early recognition, good communication and ongoing monitoring make a significant difference. Understanding the condition and its warning signs allows mothers and their families to play an active role in keeping both mother and baby safe.

At Nelsons, we understand how complex and emotionally challenging pregnancy‑related health issues can be. When complications such as pre‑eclampsia are missed, mismanaged, or diagnosed too late, the consequences can be serious for both mother and baby. Our dedicated clinical negligence team has extensive experience supporting families through these situations with compassion, clarity, and specialist expertise. If you have concerns about the care you received during pregnancy or childbirth, we are here to listen, advise and help you understand your options.