Preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning) is a pregnancy complication typically detected by high blood pressure and signs of body impact, such as protein in the urine. It can develop gradually or relatively quickly, so it's crucial to respond to symptoms and attend scheduled prenatal check-ups. According to Sundhed.dk's Patient Handbook, blood pressure and urine samples are central to early detection of the condition.

Signs of preeclampsia can be subtle initially, and some experience very few symptoms. Therefore, it's not about "self-diagnosing" but about recognizing the signals you should take seriously and get assessed.

Typical symptoms that should lead to contact with healthcare professionals include:

• Persistent or severe headache that doesn't go away
• Visual disturbances (e.g., flickering, blurred vision)
• Pain high in the abdomen, often under the ribs (especially on the right side)
• Sudden, pronounced swelling in the face, hands, or around the eyes
• Severe malaise, nausea, or a feeling of "something being wrong" in the body

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it's a good idea to contact your midwife, general practitioner, or maternity ward for guidance.

Elevated blood pressure is one of the most important signs of preeclampsia. You can't always feel high blood pressure, which is precisely why blood pressure is routinely measured during prenatal check-ups.

• Attend all appointments, even if you feel well
• Report any new symptoms you experience between appointments
• If you measure blood pressure at home, share the readings with your midwife or doctor (and use the same device and technique every time)

Regionshospitalet Viborg states that follow-up and monitoring are adjusted based on the clarity of the signs and how you and the baby are doing.

Protein in the urine (proteinuria) is a classic finding in preeclampsia and is typically detected via urine sample during control visits. It's not something you can reliably see or feel yourself, which is why urine samples are an important part of screening.

The urine sample can help indicate if the body (e.g., the kidneys) is affected. This is assessed together with blood pressure and possibly blood tests and symptoms. If there's suspicion, you may be called in for closer monitoring.

It's completely normal to feel uncertain, especially since pregnancy itself can cause swelling, fatigue, and discomfort. However, some signs require prompt assessment.

• Severe headache and/or visual disturbances
• Severe pain under the ribs
• Sudden, significant swelling in the face/hands
• Rapidly increasing malaise, where you feel that "something is wrong"

If you're in doubt, contact the maternity ward or out-of-hours doctor and explain that you are pregnant and concerned about signs of preeclampsia. It's a valid concern that needs clarification, not something you should deal with alone.

Investigation and monitoring may include blood pressure measurements, urine tests, blood tests, and assessment of the baby's well-being, e.g., with scans or monitoring. Treatment depends on the severity and how far along you are in the pregnancy. Some can be followed as outpatients, others require hospital admission. Lex.dk describes that preeclampsia can affect both mother and child, which is why monitoring is highly prioritized.

If you're attending more check-ups or experiencing swelling and discomfort, comfortable, flexible clothing can make everyday life easier. Many prefer soft, seamless solutions that can adapt to the changing body. For example, you can explore Pregnancy (collection), Support belts (collection) and Adjustable maternity support belt (collection).

• Sundhed.dk, Patient Handbook: Preeclampsia
• Regionshospitalet Viborg (Hospital Unit Midt): Preeclampsia
• Lex.dk: Preeclampsia