Postpartum Preeclampsia – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

About Postpartum Preeclampsia

Postpartum preeclampsia is an uncommon but serious condition. It causes high blood pressure and excess protein in urine after giving birth.

Most cases develop within 48 hours of delivery, but some may appear up to six weeks later. This is known as late postpartum preeclampsia.

This condition requires immediate medical attention. Without proper treatment, it can lead to seizures and other dangerous complications. Doctors typically provide medication to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Common treatments include:

  • Blood pressure medications to safely reduce high blood pressure.
  • Anticonvulsant drugs (like magnesium sulfate) to prevent seizures.
  • IV fluids to maintain proper hydration.
  • Regular monitoring of vital signs and symptoms.

Early detection and quick treatment are essential for preventing serious health problems in new mothers.

Symptoms

Postpartum preeclampsia often goes unnoticed because women may show no warning signs during pregnancy. The condition becomes even harder to detect when you’re busy recovering from childbirth and taking care of your newborn.

Common symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia include:

  • High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher)
  • Protein in urine
  • Severe headaches that don’t improve with medication
  • Vision problems (blurriness, temporary blindness, sensitivity to light)
  • Upper abdominal pain, particularly under the right ribs
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Reduced urination

These symptoms typically match those of preeclampsia that occurs before delivery. If you experience any of these warning signs after giving birth, contact your healthcare provider right away.

When to see a doctor

Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of postpartum preeclampsia soon after giving birth. This condition might require immediate medical attention.

If you have any questions or concerns about your health during recovery from childbirth, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They can help determine if your symptoms need further evaluation.

Causes

Scientists still don’t fully understand why postpartum preeclampsia happens. The exact causes remain unclear for both preeclampsia that develops after giving birth and the type that occurs during pregnancy. Research continues to look for answers about this serious condition.

Things That Raise Your Risk

Several factors can increase your chance of developing postpartum preeclampsia:

  • High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Women who have high blood pressure after week 20 of pregnancy face a higher risk.
  • Weight Concerns: Being overweight increases your likelihood of developing this condition.
  • Multiple Babies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more raises your risk significantly.
  • Existing High Blood Pressure: Unmanaged high blood pressure before getting pregnant makes postpartum preeclampsia more likely.
  • Diabetes: Having type 1, type 2, or pregnancy-related diabetes increases your risk.

Complications

Postpartum preeclampsia can lead to several serious health problems if not treated promptly. These complications require immediate medical attention.

A woman with postpartum preeclampsia may develop seizures, a condition called postpartum eclampsia. This can cause permanent damage to vital organs including the brain, eyes, liver, and kidneys.

Fluid can build up in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema. This is a life-threatening condition that makes breathing difficult.

Stroke is another possible complication when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen. This requires emergency treatment.

Blood clots may form and travel through the bloodstream, causing thromboembolism. This blockage of blood vessels is a medical emergency that needs immediate care.

HELLP syndrome is a particularly dangerous complication that can develop rapidly. The name stands for:

  • Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)
  • Elevated Liver enzymes
  • Low Platelet count

Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Upper right abdominal pain

This syndrome is especially concerning because it indicates damage to multiple organ systems. It sometimes develops suddenly, even before high blood pressure appears, and occasionally without any noticeable symptoms.

Prevention

Doctors often talk with patients about preeclampsia symptoms to increase awareness. They may also suggest taking low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) to reduce risks in future pregnancies.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. Regular physical activity and nutritious eating habits can help lower the chance of developing this condition.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.