17733 Postpartum Preeclampsia

Overview

Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition that can happen after you have a baby. It means your blood pressure gets very high, and there are signs that your body's organs, like your kidneys or liver, may be under stress. It can start within a few hours after birth, but it can also show up several weeks later. It is a serious condition that needs medical care right away, but most people recover fully with quick treatment.

Postpartum preeclampsia is not common, but it does happen. Out of every 100 people who give birth, around 1 to 7 may develop it. Because it can be serious, healthcare providers check blood pressure regularly after delivery and recommend you watch for symptoms at home.

It affects people who have recently given birth, no matter whether the delivery was vaginal or by cesarean. You are at higher risk if you had preeclampsia before or during a past pregnancy, if you had chronic high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant with more than one baby. But it can happen to anyone, even without any risk factors.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A headache that does not go away with usual pain relief, especially a throbbing headache
• Changes in vision, like blurriness, seeing spots, or light sensitivity
• Pain in the upper right side of your belly, just below the ribs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden swelling of your hands, feet, or face that gets worse
• Shortness of breath or feeling like you cannot catch your breath

Symptoms in children

• Not applicable. Postpartum preeclampsia affects the person who gave birth, not the baby.

Symptoms in older adults

• Not applicable. Postpartum preeclampsia happens only after childbirth, not in older adults.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of postpartum preeclampsia is not fully understood. It is likely related to changes in blood vessels that happen during pregnancy and delivery.
• Even after the placenta – the organ that feeds the baby in the womb – is delivered, some chemicals from the placenta may remain in the blood and affect how blood vessels work.
• In some cases, the immune system or genes may play a role.

Risk factors

• Having preeclampsia or high blood pressure during the pregnancy
• Having chronic (long-term) high blood pressure before pregnancy
• Having kidney disease or diabetes
• Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
• Being older than 35 or younger than 20
• Having a family history of preeclampsia
• Having had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If your home blood pressure reading is 160/110 or higher, contact your midwife, doctor, or maternity unit right away.
• If you have a headache, vision changes, or belly pain that feels different from normal after birth, get same-day medical advice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are within the first six weeks after childbirth and you feel unwell, it is always better to check in with your healthcare provider.
• If you notice any new or unusual swelling or headaches that concern you, book an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) or maternity team.
• You should also attend all postpartum check-ups, even if you feel fine.

Diagnosis

A doctor or midwife will check your blood pressure and ask about your symptoms. If your blood pressure is high, they will do blood and urine tests to look for signs that your organs may be affected. These tests are quick and simple.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure measurement – taken more than once to confirm it is high
• Blood tests – to check your liver and kidney function and look at your blood clotting
• Urine test – to see if there is too much protein in your urine

What to expect at your appointment

If the doctor thinks you have postpartum preeclampsia, you will need to stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment, usually for at least a few days. You will have your blood pressure checked often, and you may need blood and urine tests repeated. The healthcare team will explain everything and make sure you understand what is happening.

Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to lower your blood pressure to a safe level, prevent seizures (also called eclamptic fits), and protect your organs. This is almost always done in the hospital so you can be closely watched. You will likely be given medicines to lower your blood pressure and, if needed, medicines to prevent seizures. You will also be monitored until your blood pressure stays stable.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can and let others help with the baby and housework.
• Follow your healthcare provider's advice on checking your blood pressure at home.
• Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor first.
• Keep your follow-up appointments, even if you start to feel better.

Medical treatments

Treatment in the hospital usually involves medicines that help bring blood pressure down. You may also be given a medicine through an IV (drip into your vein) that helps prevent seizures. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment for you based on your blood pressure readings, test results, and how you feel. You will not be sent home until your blood pressure is under control and you are stable.

When is surgery considered?

This condition does not usually require surgery. In rare cases, if there are severe complications like bleeding inside the belly or other issues, a procedure or surgery might be needed to stop the bleeding or protect organs, but this is not common.

Living with this condition

After you leave the hospital, you will need to take it easy for a while. Your blood pressure may take a few weeks to settle back to normal. You will likely need to keep taking medicine for a little while and have regular check-ups. It is important to rest, accept help, and not push yourself too hard. Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to resume normal activities and exercising.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise until your doctor says it is okay.
• Get plenty of rest, especially when you can, and try to nap when the baby naps.
• Limit visitors if you need more time to recover.
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider for support to quit – both can raise blood pressure.
• Try to manage stress with slow breathing or gentle music, but talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your recovery. Cut back on salt and highly processed foods, which can affect blood pressure. Once your doctor says it is safe, gentle walking can help your heart and mood. Always get the green light from your healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine after birth.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Going through postpartum preeclampsia can be scary and stressful. You may feel anxious, low, or worried about your health and caring for your baby. It is completely normal to feel this way. Your mood and mental health are just as important as your physical health. If you are feeling low, very anxious, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please talk to your doctor or midwife urgently.

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent postpartum preeclampsia, especially because doctors do not fully understand why it happens. However, good prenatal care and monitoring after birth can help you catch it early, when it is easier to treat. If you had preeclampsia before, your doctor may suggest taking a daily low dose of aspirin during a future pregnancy – always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for postpartum preeclampsia. Staying up to date with regular health check-ups and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can help lower your risk.

Screening programmes

After you give birth, your healthcare team should check your blood pressure before you leave the hospital and at your postpartum check-ups. You can also check your blood pressure at home if your healthcare provider recommends it. Always keep your follow-up appointments, even if you feel well.

Complications

If left untreated

• Seizures (this is called eclampsia and is a medical emergency)
• Stroke – when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off
• Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can make it hard to breathe
• Damage to your kidneys, liver, or other organs
• Blood clotting problems, which can cause heavy bleeding

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good for most people if postpartum preeclampsia is found and treated quickly. Nearly all people recover fully, and many go on to have healthy lives and future pregnancies. The key is to seek help early and follow the treatment plan your healthcare team gives you. With time, rest, and the right care, you can make a full recovery.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.