Purpose This study is aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of lncRNA SNHG7 on pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods The expression of SNHG7, miR-214-5p and TWIST1 in PE placental tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. The regulatory mechanism of SNHG7/miR-214-5p/TWIST1 axis on PE was determined using MTT, wound healing, transwell invasion, and western blot assays. Results In PE pregnancies, SNHG7 and TWIST1 were decreased, while miR-214-5p was increased.The elevated miR-214-5p and decreased TWIST1 partly eliminated the promoting effects of SNHG7 up-regulation on the viability and metastasis of JEG-3 cells. Conclusions Up-regulated SNHG7 protects against PE through modulating the miR-214-5p/TWIST1 axi.