Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that typically occurs after week 20. It is often associated with high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, including protein in the urine. It can feel unsettling because the symptoms can be vague or appear suddenly. Therefore, the most important thing is that you know which signs to react to and when to contact your midwife, doctor, or maternity ward.

Some symptoms may be mild at first, while others require rapid assessment. Contact your midwife or doctor if you experience new or worsening symptoms, especially in combination.

• Persistent or severe headache that does not go away with rest
• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, flashes of light, or "spots" in front of the eyes
• Pain high in the abdomen, often under the ribs (may be mostly on the right side)
• Nausea or vomiting that feels different from normal pregnancy sickness
• Sudden swelling in the face and hands
• Rapid weight gain over a few days (may be due to fluid retention)
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness (should always be assessed quickly)

If you are in doubt, it is better to call once too often than once too seldom. You are not "bothering" anyone; you are looking after yourself and your baby.

High blood pressure can sometimes not be clearly felt. However, some people experience headaches, malaise, or pressure in the body. Therefore, blood pressure is routinely measured during pregnancy check-ups, and this is an important reason to attend appointments, even when you feel okay.

If you have the option of home blood pressure monitoring, agree with your midwife or doctor on how and when you should measure, and when they would like to hear from you. Readings should always be interpreted in conjunction with the rest of your situation.

Protein in the urine can be a sign that the body is affected. It is typically detected by a urine sample at the doctor's or midwife's office. You cannot feel protein in your urine yourself, which is why tests are a practical way to catch changes early.

• Report new symptoms, even if they seem "small"
• Ask if you are unsure about your measurements or test results
• Feel free to write down symptoms with date and time to make it easier to explain

Headaches can be common in pregnancy, but with preeclampsia, they are often more persistent and can occur with visual disturbances. Seek urgent assessment if you experience a severe headache with visual changes, affected breathing, severe pain high in the abdomen, or if you suddenly feel very unwell.

It's perfectly okay to be worried. The important thing is to get assessed so that action can be taken in time if necessary.

Many pregnant women experience swollen feet and ankles, especially late in pregnancy. This can be normal. What should make you react is sudden swelling, swelling in the hands and face, or swelling along with headaches, visual disturbances, or pain under the ribs.

• Lie on your left side and rest if you feel unwell
• Contact your midwife or maternity ward for new, distinct symptoms
• Don't "wait and see" if your gut feeling tells you something is off

Preeclampsia must always be assessed and managed by healthcare professionals, and products cannot treat the condition. However, if you are also experiencing common pregnancy discomforts such as heaviness in the lower back and pelvis, practical support in everyday life can feel good. You can view the selection here: Support Belts and a specific product here: Maternity Support Belt.

If you need a more flexible fit, there is also an adjustable version: Adjustable Support Belt and Adjustable Support Belt (product).