Preeclampsia After Birth: A Guide for New Moms
Many expectant women have heard of preeclampsia, a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure that usually develops after the 20-week mark. But did you know this extremely serious condition can also occur after your baby has been delivered?
Postpartum preeclampsia is much less common, affecting roughly 600 women a year. But it’s difficult to quantify because some women who suffer from preeclampsia after birth already had the condition beforehand, while others develop a new case of it.
"The scary part of postpartum preeclampsia is the delay that can occur between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis, which means a serious illness can become life-threatening," says Ira Bernstein, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Indeed, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation, about 15 percent of postpartum preeclampsia patients go on to experience a severe aspect of this condition: eclampsia (seizures).
Read on for important information about preeclampsia after birth.
What is Postpartum Preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition that can develop soon after birth (usually within the first 48 to 72 hours after delivery). It’s marked by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. In rare cases, preeclampsia onset can be delayed up to about one month postpartum; it’s usually called “late postpartum preeclampsia” if the onset is more than 48 hours postpartum.
"It takes time for the uterus to shed its lining after birth, so this process may be behind the delay that's sometimes seen in late onset preeclampsia after delivery," says James N. Martin, M.D., past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It's also possible this condition begins during pregnancy but doesn't show signs or symptoms until after the baby has arrived.
Risk Factors for Preeclampsia After Birth
It's difficult to determine who will develop preeclampsia after birth, but there are a few factors that may increase the risk. Gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure after 20 weeks, during a past pregnancy is one red flag. Receiving a diagnosis of preeclampsia at the same point in pregnancy is another. The risk of postpartum preeclampsia can also rise if you are obese.
Postpartum Preeclampsia Symptoms
Signs of preeclampsia after birth may include:
A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher
Excess protein in the urine
Nausea or vomiting
Severe headache
Abdominal pain, especially under the ribs on the right side
Very little urine output
Sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds a week)
Sudden shortness of breath
"If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, contact your health care provider right away," says Dr. Martin.
Treatment for Preeclampsia After Birth
If your doctor suspects you’ve developed postpartum preeclampsia, you may be hospitalized for evaluation and treatment. Preeclampsia after birth can often be diagnosed with lab tests, which include a blood draw and urinalysis. Your blood will be tested to determine whether you have the right number of platelets (which help the blood to clot), and doctors will make sure your liver and kidneys are working well. A sample of urine is taken to see if it contains protein.
RELATED: Your Preeclampsia Risks, Explained
Seizures are the main concern with this condition, so preeclampsia after birth is treated with an anticonvulsive medication (usually magnesium sulfate) that's taken for 24 hours. After you've had the medication, your doctor will carefully check your blood pressure, urine, and other symptoms. Antihypertensive medication may be prescribed if your blood pressure is too high.
Unfortunately, there isn't a known method for preventing postpartum preeclampsia. Your best bet is to be aware of how you're feeling and report any symptoms to your doctor. Don't wave away a bad headache or other pain as mere new-mom problems — get it checked out.
