Preeclampsia typically develops during gestation and, in severe cases, may necessitate hospitalization and delivery of your baby. If there has been prior preeclampsia in prior pregnancies, additional monitoring and treatments may be required in addition to delivery.
Once home from hospital care, monitor your blood pressure regularly to identify complications like pulmonary edema, seizures or HELLP syndrome (hemorrhage, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count).
What is Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Serious Condition After Childbirth
Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare but serious condition that can occur in women after giving birth. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine, indicating kidney problems.
While most cases develop within 48 hours of childbirth, it can also manifest up to six weeks after delivery. If left untreated, postpartum preeclampsia can lead to seizures and other severe complications.
Postpartum Preeclampsia Symptoms
Abdominal pain
Postpartum abdominal pain can often be due to your uterus expanding and contracting as you give birth, as well as incisions from cesarean deliveries or taking certain painkillers.
Your uterus may return to its regular size following delivery, which can result in cramping and bloating. Furthermore, high levels of progesterone during gestation as well as any incision from cesarean section could contribute to constipation issues.
If you experience symptoms of preeclampsia after giving birth, seek immediate medical advice immediately. Untreated preeclampsia can lead to stroke, HELLP syndrome and even death – symptoms generally appear 48-72 hours postpartum but could occur up to six weeks later and include high blood pressure readings of 140/90mm Hg or above, protein in urine samples and swelling in your face, hands, feet or limbs.
Headaches
headaches after giving birth can often occur during the postpartum period due to hormones and environmental factors like lack of sleep or dehydration, though they could also be indicative of an underlying medical issue.
Symptoms not relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers should seek medical advice immediately. A healthcare provider will listen to your report of symptoms, review your medical history, perform a physical exam and order lab tests such as a blood pressure check or urinalysis to check for protein in urine samples.
Your healthcare provider may suggest imaging tests, medication to reduce your blood pressure (such as magnesium sulfate) and antiseizure medication, and they’ll keep an eye out for any possible signs of preeclampsia like high blood pressure or changes to vision or hearing.
Seizures
If seizures recur after giving birth, you must return to the hospital immediately.
Your healthcare provider may run tests to evaluate your liver and kidney functions as well as test for protein in the urine and screen for HELLP syndrome – an extreme combination of symptoms involving hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count that can lead to serious health consequences, including pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in the lungs); brain damage; stroke; thromboembolism (blockage of blood vessel by clot).
Your doctor will prescribe medications to reduce your blood pressure and prevent seizures. In general, breastfeed while taking these medicines unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Diarrhea
Although occasional pooping may be considered normal as part of postpartum recovery, severe diarrhea or changes to stool frequency or consistency could be indicative of preeclampsia. Seek medical advice immediately if diarrhea persists beyond one week post-delivery.
Heavy bleeding after giving birth, especially if coupled with abdominal or headache pain, may be a telltale sign of preeclampsia or even more serious condition known as HELLP syndrome – potentially life-threatening conditions that damage both liver and kidneys.
Preeclampsia symptoms such as an itchy perineum or the leakage of fecal matter (which should not be confused with diarrhoea) should always be reported immediately to your healthcare provider; in case they need to admit you back into hospital for additional monitoring or treatment.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure after childbirth can result in complications like HELLP syndrome (hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) or fluid buildup in your lungs (pulmonary edema).
If this happens to you, it should be considered an emergency medical situation and you may need to be readmitted back into hospital; severe symptoms could require brain scans as well as medication to bring down your blood pressure levels.
Doctors can detect postpartum preeclampsia by taking measures such as checking both your systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as urine protein content. Your ob-gyn will check these measurements prior to you leaving hospital as well as during regular follow up appointments after giving birth, so be sure not to miss any appointments, even if you feel fine.
How Is Postpartum Preeclampsia Treated
Postpartum preeclampsia is managed through medications aimed at lowering blood pressure and preventing seizures. Common medications used include magnesium sulfate, beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers, vasodilators, calcium channel blockers, alpha-2 receptor agonists, and blood thinners such as Apixaban.
During the hospital stay after childbirth, healthcare professionals closely monitor blood pressure and other vital signs. If postpartum preeclampsia is suspected, further evaluation may be necessary.
Magnesium sulfate is often administered to prevent seizures in women with severe signs and symptoms, while diuretics like furosemide help decrease circulating blood volume.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Postpartum Preeclampsia
Several factors increase the risk of developing postpartum preeclampsia, including:
- High blood pressure during the most recent pregnancy, particularly after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- Carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.).
- Chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy.
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2).
- Physical inactivity.
- Infrequent antenatal visits.
- Analgesic use.
- Contraceptive use.
- Cesarean delivery.
It is important to note that while these risk factors increase the likelihood, any woman can develop postpartum preeclampsia regardless of previous experiences with blood pressure problems, weight, diet, or exercise.
Seeking Medical Attention
If warning signs of postpartum preeclampsia are present, it is important to return to the Emergency Department, request to be seen by an obstetrician, and inform them about recent childbirth.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding postpartum preeclampsia and its management.
