Understanding postpartum preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious health condition. It can affect all parts of the body. It usually starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often in the last months. Sometimes, preeclampsia happens after the baby is born.1 This is called postpartum preeclampsia.
What is postpartum preeclampsia?
Anyone can get postpartum preeclampsia after having a baby. It has most of the same signs as preeclampsia and other high blood pressure problems in pregnancy.2
Postpartum preeclampsia usually starts a few days after having a baby, but it can also happen as late as six weeks after giving birth.3
Common symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia
Your obstetrician or gynecologist (OB/GYN) may ask you to check your blood pressure at home.3
Talk with your doctor before leaving the hospital about what symptoms to look for and when to seek care. Some symptoms may require immediate care. In a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to your hospital emergency department (ED). Tell the providers at the ED that you have recently been pregnant.2 Symptoms may include:
- A headache that lasts a long time3
- Vision that gets blurry or seeing spots3
- Feeling nauseous or throwing up3
- Pain in your shoulder or upper right belly3
- Gaining 2–3 pounds or more in a week3
- Swelling in your face or hands3
- Trouble breathing2
Emergency complications from postpartum preeclampsia may include:4
- HELLP syndrome
- Seizures
- Pulmonary edema (when fluid fills the lungs)
- Stroke
- Thromboembolism
Risk factors for postpartum preeclampsia
Having preeclampsia once makes it more likely to happen again in future pregnancies.1 Other potential risk factors include having:4
- Gestational hypertension
- A BMI over 30
- A Cesearean birth (C-section)
How postpartum preeclampsia is diagnosed
Your provider may diagnose postpartum preeclampsia by checking your blood pressure and ordering lab tests, such as:4, 5
- Blood tests — to see how well your liver and kidneys are working and check the number of platelets (the cells that help blood clot)
- A urinalysis — to see the protein content in your urine
Treatment options and recovery
You may be admitted to the hospital for medicines to prevent seizures and lower your blood pressure. Your provider may ask you to keep checking your blood pressure at home. 3,4
Preventive care and monitoring after childbirth
Preeclampsia can happen after you have your baby, even if you did not have high blood pressure while you were pregnant. You should keep monitoring your health post-delivery.2
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