Headache + high BP in pregnancy/postpartum
Bleeding in pregnancyAbdominal pain in pregnancyReduced fetal movementsHeadache + high BP in pregnancy/postpartumFever in pregnancy/postpartumDyspnoea in pregnancyVaginal discharge / cervicitisAcute pelvic pain (non-pregnant)Postmenopausal bleedingInfertility evaluation
Immediate red flags:
- Seizure
- Visual scotomata/drowsiness/focal deficit
- SBP>=160/DBP>=110
- Epigastric pain
Urgent workup:
- Confirm BP both readings
- Platelets/LFTs/creatinine
- Protein quantification
- Neuro exam incl. fundi
Structured differential — act in priority order
| Priority | Condition | Key features | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
CANNOT MISS | Pre-eclampsia spectrum | Organ dysfunction signs | |
CANNOT MISS | Postpartum eclampsia/CVT | Seizure postpartum any BP | Imaging MRV consideration |
COMMON | Migraine | Typical pattern, normal labs | Safe analgesics only |
CANNOT MISS | Intracranial haemorrhage | Focal deficit/coma | CT + neurosurgery |
CONSIDER | Idiopathic intracranial hypertension | Obese, pulsatile tinnitus, papilloedema | Fundoscopy/neuro referral |
First moves
- Treat BP>=160/110 within minutes-hours while differentiating