Pre-eclampsia - Diagnosing pre-eclampsia

Although you will not usually notice the early signs of pre-eclampsia, the condition can easily be diagnosed during the routine checks you have while you're pregnant.

During these antenatal appointments, your blood pressure is regularly checked for signs of high blood pressure and a urine sample is tested to see if it contains protein.

If you notice any of the symptoms of pre-eclampsia between your antenatal appointments, see your midwife or GP for advice.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood on the walls of the arteries (main blood vessels) as the blood flows through them. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two figures:

• systolic pressure – the pressure when the heart beats and squeezes blood out
• diastolic pressure – the pressure when the heart rests inbetween beats

Your GP or midwife will use a device with an inflatable cuff and a scale as a pressure gauge (a sphygmomanometer) to measure your blood pressure. The systolic reading will be taken first, followed by the diastolic reading.

If, for example, the systolic blood pressure is 120mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is 80mmHg, the overall blood pressure will be 120 over 80, which is commonly written as 120/80.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is usually defined as a systolic reading of 140mmHg or more, or a diastolic reading of 90mmHg or more.

Urine tests

A urine sample is usually requested at every antenatal appointment. This can easily be tested for protein using a dipstick. A dipstick is a strip of paper that has been treated with chemicals so it reacts to protein, usually by changing colour.

If the dipstick is positive for protein, your GP or midwife may ask for another urine sample to send to a laboratory for further tests. This could be a single sample of urine, or you may be asked to provide several samples of urine over a 24-hour period. These can be used to determine exactly how much protein is being lost through your urine.

Further tests in hospital

If you are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, you should be referred to a specialist working in a hospital for further tests and more frequent monitoring.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to go home after an initial assessment and have frequent outpatient appointments. In severe cases, you may need to stay in hospital for closer observation.

Read more information about treating pre-eclampsia.