Free BP TrackerPre-eclampsia warning signs: get checked immediately
Contact your maternity unit straight away if you have:
- a severe headache that does not go away with simple painkillers
- vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing flashing lights
- pain below the ribs
- sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
- feeling very unwell
- heartburn that does not go away with heartburn medicines
- being sick (vomiting)
If you’re pregnant, call your maternity unit if you have the number. If you’ve recently given birth or cannot call your maternity unit, call 111.
This app’s ranges don’t apply in pregnancy
Pregnancy uses different blood pressure levels, and the NHS’s own reading checker isn’t designed for people who are pregnant. If you’re pregnant, use this app only to keep a record, and follow your midwife’s advice about what your readings mean.
High blood pressure in pregnancy
- Hypertension in pregnancy is a reading between 140/90 and 159/109.
- Severe hypertension in pregnancy is a reading of 160/110 or higher. NICE words this as a top number over 160 or a bottom number over 110.
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is new high blood pressure (top number over 140 or bottom number over 90) after 20 weeks of pregnancy, along with protein in the urine or signs that other organs are affected.
It’s most likely from 20 weeks, but can happen at any point, and sometimes in the days or weeks after your baby is born.
Checked against NHS and NICE guidance on . See all official sources.