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It is not always easy to diagnose preeclampsia. That is because there is not any simple test that says for sure whether you have the condition.

Instead, doctors diagnose preeclampsia when you get certain signs and symptoms together. The most important signs are high blood pressure and protein in your urine, showing up for the first time after 20 weeks of pregnancy.¹

Most women with preeclampsia don't feel sick. That's why it is very important to go to all of your regular checkups during pregnancy. Your blood pressure and urine should be checked at these checkups. That way, preeclampsia can be picked up early.

Feeling sick is usually a sign of more serious preeclampsia. So if you feel unwell between your checkups, see your doctor or midwife right away. For more, see What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

If your doctor thinks you have preeclampsia, you should be sent to the hospital for some more tests. These tests can help tell if you have it. And they can show how the illness is affecting you and your baby.

Here are some things your doctor or midwife might do to find out if you have preeclampsia.

Your doctor or midwife might ask you these questions.²

• Have you noticed any swelling of your face, hands, feet? This is not a reliable sign of preeclampsia. That's because swelling often happens in normal pregnancies. But if you suddenly get swelling, particularly in your face, it is more likely to mean you have preeclampsia.
• Have you gained a lot of weight lately? A gain of more than 2.2 pounds a week over two to three weeks, or a gain of more than 4.5 pounds in a week, can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. This is especially true if you also have sudden swelling.
• Have you been feeling unwell? Bad, throbbing headaches, problems with your vision (like flashing lights before your eyes), severe pain under your ribs and being sick to your stomach can all be signs of severe preeclampsia.
• Is your baby moving well? If your baby has become less active, this can be a sign that he or she is being affected by preeclampsia.¹

There aren't any specific signs of preeclampsia. But your doctor or midwife may do some or all of the following during an exam:

• Weigh you
• Listen to your baby's heartbeat
• Check you for swelling
• Feel your belly.

Your doctor or midwife will probably do two tests if he or she thinks you might have preeclampsia:

• Measure your blood pressure (for more, see Blood pressure during pregnancy)
• Check your urine for protein (for more, see Urine checks for protein).

These tests are quick and simple. You may have them in your doctor's office or a clinic, or even at home.

Your doctor or midwife will say you have preeclampsia if you have:³

• A top blood pressure number (systolic pressure) of 140 or higher, or a bottom blood pressure number (diastolic pressure) of 90 or higher

And:

• At least 300 milligrams of protein in urine that you collected over 24 hours. This is usually the same as a rating of one "plus" (+) or more of protein in your urine on a test called the dipstick test.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.