What is postpartum preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition that occurs when you have high blood pressure and excess protein in your urine soon after giving birth. Pre-eclampsia is a similar condition that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born.
Most cases of postpartum preeclampsia develop within 48 hours of delivery. Sometimes, however, preeclampsia develops up to six weeks or later after delivery. This is known as late preeclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia after childbirth requires prompt treatment. Untreated preeclampsia can cause seizures and other serious complications.
Pre-eclampsia after childbirth can be difficult to detect. Many women who develop postpartum preeclampsia have no symptoms during pregnancy. You may also not suspect that something is wrong when you are focused on recovering from childbirth and caring for your newborn.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia - which are usually the same as preeclampsia symptoms before delivery - may include:
High blood pressure (hypertension) - 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher
Excess protein in the urine (proteinuria)
Severe headaches
Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Pain in the upper abdomen, usually under the ribs on the right side
Nudity and vomiting
When should I worry about pre-eclampsia after childbirth?
Postpartum pre-eclampsia usually occurs within the first 7 days after delivery. However, a woman may still be at risk for 6 weeks after delivery. High blood pressure sometimes does not cause any symptoms . Therefore, the health care team will monitor a woman's blood pressure in the hospital after delivery.
When should you go to the hospital for pre-eclampsia?
To catch the signs of pre-eclampsia, see your doctor for regular prenatal visits. Call your doctor and go directly to the emergency room if you experience severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches or changes in vision.
