Many people who have given birth have been cautioned about the risks and signs that come with preeclampsia during their pregnancy. But what we don’t talk about enough is postpartum preeclampsia.
What is postpartum preeclampsia? It's a condition that is marked by high blood pressure and increased protein levels in the urine. It can develop within two days of giving birth — or weeks later. While it's relatively rare, postpartum preeclampsia can be life-threatening if not quickly diagnosed and treated.
Causes of postpartum preeclampsia
Postpartum preeclampsia treatment
When it comes to postpartum preeclampsia treatment, it’s most often done with medication. “The treatments for postpartum preeclampsia are similar to those used for preeclampsia during pregnancy,” Dr. Nordwald said.
“If a mother's blood pressure is dangerously high, she likely will be given medication to lower it, and magnesium sulfate may also be given to prevent seizures,” Nordwald explained.
“I had a c-section, and my OB found postpartum preeclampsia at my three-week follow-up. I had bad headaches, and my ankles were swollen as well. Then the nurse took my blood pressure, and it was dangerously high," mom Kirbie G. shared with Mom.com. "The doctor gave me medicine in the office to bring it down, but then put me on high blood pressure medication for the following month. I had to check my blood pressure three times a day and submit the numbers through an app to my provider.”
Once diagnosed and treated, the condition can take anywhere from one week or more to resolve. Sometimes this might require mothers to stay in the hospital longer, or can result in being readmitted after going home.
