Postpartum Preeclampsia – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors check for postpartum preeclampsia using several tests and a physical exam. They measure blood pressure to see if it is higher than normal, as high blood pressure is a main sign.
They often look for protein in urine, called proteinuria, which is another signal of preeclampsia.
Doctors perform blood tests to check kidney and liver function, as well as platelet count. In some cases, they detect high uric acid levels. A physical examination helps identify swelling and other symptoms.
Additional Details
Doctors may ask patients to collect urine over 24 hours to measure protein levels.
Healthcare professionals might also use a table or list to track symptoms, including headache, swelling, or vision changes. For accurate diagnosis, regular blood pressure checks are important.
In more serious cases, providers may order imaging tests—such as a kidney or liver ultrasound—if organ damage is suspected. If seizures or neurological symptoms appear, they may assess for signs of eclampsia, a life-threatening complication.
Treatment
Doctors focus treatment for postpartum preeclampsia on lowering blood pressure and preventing seizures. They often use antihypertensive medicines such as labetalol to help reduce high blood pressure and protect organs from damage.
Doctors commonly give magnesium sulfate to stop seizures, especially in cases where symptoms are severe or there is a risk of eclampsia.
Patients usually take this medicine for about 24 hours, with close monitoring of blood flow and body functions during and after use.
For those with HELLP syndrome or other organ problems, doctors may provide extra treatments and closer care. Most medications used are safe for women who are breastfeeding, but it is best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Medical teams continue to observe patients to spot and treat any changes quickly.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take
To help make the most of a healthcare appointment about postpartum preeclampsia, a person can take some steps before and during the visit.
- Write Down Your Symptoms. List any health changes, including severe headaches, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or swelling. Even minor symptoms should be included.
- Bring a Support Person. Ask a friend or family member to come along. Having someone else there can help remember details and reduce stress.
- Prepare Questions. Having a written list to ask the provider can keep the visit on track. Some examples are in the table below:
| Question | Example |
|---|---|
| Severity | How serious is this condition? |
| Treatment | What options do I have? |
| Testing | Are any tests necessary? |
| Daily Life | Can I keep breastfeeding and caring for my baby? |
| Health Management | How can I manage this along with other issues like chronic hypertension? |
| Warning Signs | When should I seek emergency help? |
Adding any other questions that come to mind can help provide a clearer understanding of what is happening.
How the Health Care Provider Will Likely Respond
At the appointment, the healthcare provider will want to know details about the patient’s recent health.
- They may ask about any new or unusual symptoms, including blurred vision or headaches.
- The provider might ask when these symptoms first appeared and if they have gotten worse.
- The provider can ask if high blood pressure or chronic hypertension has been a problem before, or if similar issues happened in earlier pregnancies.
- The provider may also ask about any other health conditions, like migraine history.
