You may be familiar with preeclampsia as a potential pregnancy complication. But did you know that it can also occur up to six weeks after giving birth? This is known as postpartum preeclampsia, and it’s a rare condition marked by high blood pressure.
While the exact cause of postpartum preeclampsia is unknown, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the condition. They include obesity, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, being older than 40, and giving birth to twins, triplets, or more.
What to look out for
Most people begin experiencing symptoms within 48 hours of childbirth, but in some cases, symptoms develop during the six weeks after birth. You can develop this serious condition even if you’ve never had high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
In addition to high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher), symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia can include:
- Headaches that may be severe
- Vision changes, including blurriness and light sensitivity
- Swelling in your face, hands, feet, or limbs
- Abdominal pain, often near your ribs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased urination
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid weight gain
If you’ve recently given birth and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Seeking medical attention right away is important, as postpartum preeclampsia can lead to dangerous complications.
Why timely treatment matters
The prognosis for postpartum preeclampsia is very good when the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly. But if left untreated, it can put you at risk for a number of life-threatening health issues, including seizures, stroke, blood clots, excess fluid in your lungs, and permanent organ damage.
To reduce your risks and effectively treat the condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Medications to lower your blood pressure
- Anti-seizure medications to prevent seizures (one of the most common risks)
- Anticoagulant medications to thin your blood and prevent clotting
Rest as much as you can during treatment, and keep in mind that it may take several days to a few weeks for your blood pressure to be brought down to a safe level. That’s why it’s critical that you attend all of your postnatal appointments and talk to your healthcare provider if anything seems off.
Not sure what to do?
When it comes to postpartum preeclampsia—whether diagnosed or suspected—don’t hesitate to speak up and seek help. Doing so could quite literally save your life.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
