How should I manage a patient diagnosed with mild pre-eclampsia in a primary care setting?

In primary care, women diagnosed with mild pre-eclampsia should be assessed for symptoms of pre-eclampsia at each consultation, including severe headache, visual problems, epigastric pain, vomiting, and swelling of face, hands, or feet ¹.

Women with pre-eclampsia who are discharged to primary care should have an individual care plan that includes who will provide follow-up, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, thresholds for reducing or stopping treatment, and indications for referral to secondary care ¹.

Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, with antihypertensive treatment initiated if blood pressure reaches 150/100 mmHg or higher ¹.

Repeat blood tests for platelet count, transaminases, and serum creatinine should be performed until results return to normal, especially if blood results are abnormal at discharge ¹.

Women who did not take antihypertensive treatment should have their blood pressure measured between days 3–5 postpartum, then on alternate days until it normalizes ¹.

Women on antihypertensive treatment should have their blood pressure checked every 1–2 days for up to 2 weeks after transfer to community care, with treatment adjustments based on blood pressure readings ¹.

Women should be advised to seek immediate medical review if they develop symptoms of pre-eclampsia during postpartum or follow-up ¹.