We have measured the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in maternal plasma during normotensive pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia. VEGF was measured using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Plasma VEGF was significantly elevated (P<0.0001) in the pre‐eclamptic group (median value 32.7 ng mL⁻¹, range 10.3–64.0), compared with the normotensive group (median value 11.7 ng mL⁻¹, range 6.3–24.3). VEGF is a potent regulator of endothelial cell function. The increased level found in women with pre‐eclampsia indicates that VEGF may be involved in the maternal endothelial cell dysfunction associated with this condition. An increase in VEGF, a potent regulator of microvascular permeability, may also contribute to the extravasation of plasma proteins and the subsequent development of proteinuria, both characteristic features of pre‐eclampsia.