- Preeclampsia may also occur after childbirth, and can cause seizures or other complications.
- You may experience severe headaches, blurry sight, and swelling of the face and limbs.
- Postpartum preeclampsia can be treated with IV or oral medication, and may require a short hospital stay.
- For more information, visit Insider’s Health Reference Library.
Preeclampsia refers to a blood pressure condition that has an impact on about 5% to 88%Many people are pregnant. It’s easy to believe you are safe after giving birth.
preeclampsia
Even after your baby is born, you can still see the benefits of genetics.
The effects of postpartum preeclampsia can vary widely. From less than 1% up to almost 28%Experts believe that about 80% of women have preeclampsia after childbirth. However, research on this condition is much more limited than research on preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Preeclampsia postpartum often develops during the first trimester. 48 hours after deliveryIt is possible to develop it up to six weeks after childbirth. A Small 2019 StudyIt is possible that postpartum preeclampsia could develop at the end or after pregnancy, but not be noticed until after birth.
Preeclampsia can be triggered by the following symptoms:
- Grave headaches
- Blurry vision, or seeing spots
- Swelling in your arms and legs or in your face
- Trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
People with preeclampsia postpartum often experience headaches. 2011 small studyNearly 70% of those who experienced them reported that they were present. But it’s also possible to be asymptomatic — a Small 2020 StudyIt was found that only 6% of postpartum preeclampsia patients didn’t experience any symptoms.
In a 2017 StudySome parents reported that their preeclampsia symptoms were misinterpreted by medical staff when they had just given birth. The parents suffered medical complications, which highlights the importance of raising awareness about postpartum preeclampsia.
In short, it’s unclear how often symptoms of this condition go unrecognized — but it’s important to advocate for yourself when your symptoms concern you.
“If someone is being sent home, but they still don’t feel right, they should insist on being seen by an OB-GYN directly,”Says Renita whiteGeorgia Obstetrics and Gynology, a OB/GYN.
You can track your blood pressure at home if you are concerned you may be suffering from postpartum hypertension.
Factors that increase the risk of developing a disease
Although experts don’t know exactly what causes preeclampsia they do know that it is common. ProposeThe placenta is an organ that supplies nutrition and oxygen to the fetus in pregnancy plays an important role.
It used to be called childbirth consideredAlthough preeclampsia treatment is the most common, experts now acknowledge that preeclampsia could develop even after giving birth to your baby and placenta.
It turns out that the effects of the placenta on your body can persist even after it is gone. According to a Small 2019 StudyPreeclampsia symptoms may have been caused by differences in the placenta prior to birth.
Possible complications
Preeclampsia that is not treated can be life-threatening.
“Postpartum preeclampsia is a complex diagnosis that can have serious repercussions,”White.
Many of the preeclampsia complications that are associated with postpartum preeclampsia can be compared to preeclampsia. You can reduce your chance of suffering from this condition by getting treatment and evaluation as soon as possible.
- Eclampsia.Preeclampsia could lead to eclampsia. The causesseizures and convulsions. About One out of fiveEclampsia can occur in the postpartum period.
- HELLP syndrome. HELLP — hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets — syndrome is a severe form of preeclampsia. The signs include nausea and abdominal pain. About 30%Many cases of HELLP Syndrome occur after childbirth.
Meanwhile, Research from 2011These could be long-term complications of preeclampsia.
A 2019 large studyAlso, because it is connected to preeclampsia standard, preeclampsia postpartum could increase your risk
Heart disease
in the future — but taking steps to manage your blood pressure can help reduce these risks.
Treatment and diagnosis
Preeclampsia may be diagnosed regardless of whether you’re pregnant, or have delivered your baby. Jenn Conti, an OB/GYN and medical adviser Modern Fertility.
You can quickly get a diagnosis by learning how to recognize the symptoms of preeclampsia. You can also check your blood pressure to determine when you should call your doctor.
A postpartum checkup can determine if you have preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is diagnosed by your healthcare provider based upon your high blood pressure reading.
They might order urine and blood tests to confirm a preeclampsia diagnosis.
Your doctor may ask you to monitor your symptoms closely if you have preeclampsia postpartum. However, they may recommend that you start treatment immediately.
Treatment This can include:
- IV medication to lower your blood pressureThe first step to treatment is usually to lower your blood pressure. Antihyperintensive drugs are medications that your doctor may prescribe to lower blood pressure. Hydralazine and labetalolThis is especially important if your blood pressure has dropped 160/110 mm Hg and higher.
- Oral medication Once your blood pressure lowers to at least 140/90 mm Hg, you might take a prescription medication to help lower your blood pressure further and keep it level.
Some medicines you might receive for postpartum preeclampsia include:
- Magnesium sulfateAnticonvulsant, used to prevent or control seizures. Your doctor may prescribe magnesium sulfate to lower the risk of seizures.
- DiureticsThese medications promote urination. These medications May lower blood pressureYour body can eliminate extra fluids by doing this.
Postpartum preeclampsia can be a sign that you are having a problem. Higher riskThis is
High blood pressure
Continue forward. To prevent severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home.
Prevention
Many of the same approaches that lower the risk of preeclampsia can also lower the likelihood of postpartum preeclampsia.
Preventive measures include screening and frequent check-ups. “We now screen every pregnant person for preeclampsia at the start of pregnancy to see if they qualify for low dose daily aspirin beginning at 12 weeks gestation,”Conti.
Here are some ways to reduce your chances of preeclampsia after delivery.
- Aspirin.Your doctor may consider you to be at high risk. Might be worth recommendingAspirin is used to prevent preeclampsia.
- Lifestyle changesHealthy habits such as regular exercise and eating nutritious foods can help you maintain a healthy body weight. This could lower your riskThe possibility of preeclampsia.
- Hydration. Get enough water Could be a helpYou can lower your chances of high blood pressure in pregnancy and afterwards. This is the best way to lower your risk of developing high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsIt is advised to drink 64-96 ounces of fluid each day during pregnancy.
- Calcium. Taking calcium supplements during pregnancy It may be of assistanceLower your chance of preeclampsia.
You can do all these things and still develop preeclampsia — and that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Many ways that pregnancy can impact your body are beyond your control.
You can get more information from your doctor or midwife about lowering your chance of preeclampsia after delivery. They will also be able to make recommendations that are specific to your situation.
Insider’s takeaway
You can be aware that preeclampsia is still possible even after the birth.
“It’s scarier postpartum because people often think they’re out of the woods and may not be screening for it, so it can go unnoticed for longer,”Conti.
If you think you may have preeclampsia after having a baby, you should immediately call your OB/GYN or seek emergency medical attention.