Postpartum Preeclampsia

Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop up to six weeks after childbirth. It is characterized by high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. This condition is particularly dangerous because it can occur even if you did not have high blood pressure before or during your pregnancy. The high blood pressure associated with postpartum preeclampsia can lead to severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, and organ damage. 

 

Postpartum preeclampsia is an understudied disease entity with few evidence-based guidelines to guide diagnosis and management. Readmission for postpartum complications is associated with disruption of early parenting, negative mental and emotional impact on the patient and an increased burden on the family.​​ Numerous studies show a higher risk of maternal morbidity associated with postpartum preeclampsia. It is critical to provide continued education for healthcare professionals, emergency medicine providers, care providers, and patients. 

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Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition that can develop after childbirth, within 48 hours to 6 weeks after delivery, even if the pregnancy was uncomplicated and blood pressure was normal before and during the pregnancy. Monitor your blood pressure after you are discharged from the hospital. You can get an at-home cuff at a pharmacy. This is what it can do to the body:

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High Blood Pressure: One of the main features of postpartum preeclampsia is a rise in blood pressure. Normally, blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. In postpartum preeclampsia, it can shoot up to dangerous levels like 180/100 mm Hg or higher. If your systolic (top number) reading is 140 mm Hg or higher, call your doctor immediately.

High blood pressure can strain the heart and damage blood vessels, leading to serious complications, such as: stroke, heart attack, or organ damage (particularly to the kidneys and liver). High blood pressure can cause symptoms - but not all the time! It can present with severe headaches, visual disturbances (like blurred vision or light sensitivity), and swelling (particularly in the face and hands).

Swelling and Edema: Swelling (edema) in your face, hands, and legs. This happens because high blood pressure causes fluid to leak from your blood vessels into your tissues. This swelling can be uncomfortable and, in severe cases, may affect your ability to move around easily.

Protein in Urine: It can cause your kidneys to leak protein into your urine, a condition called proteinuria. Normally, protein isn't found in urine, so its presence indicates that the kidneys are not working properly. This can lead to kidney damage or failure if not treated promptly.

Severe Headaches: Persistent, throbbing headaches that don't go away with over-the-counter pain relievers can be a sign of postpartum preeclampsia. These headaches are due to increased blood pressure affecting the blood vessels in your brain.

Vision Changes: You may experience changes in your vision, such as blurriness, light sensitivity, or even temporary loss of vision. These symptoms occur because high blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in your eyes.

Abdominal Pain: Sharp pain in your upper abdomen, often under your ribs on the right side, can occur. This pain is usually related to liver problems caused by high blood pressure.

Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting, especially after delivery, can also be a symptom of postpartum preeclampsia.

Shortness of Breath: This happens when fluid builds up in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. This condition, called pulmonary edema, is a serious complication of postpartum preeclampsia.

Reduced Urine Output: Your body might produce less urine, indicating that your kidneys are not functioning well, which is another complication of high blood pressure.

 

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Postpartum preeclampsia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It can lead to:

• Seizures: If preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia, it can lead to seizures. Seizures are a severe complication that can result from extremely high blood pressure and affect brain function.

• Stroke: The increased pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst, leading to a stroke.

• Organ Damage: The heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs can be damaged by the high blood pressure.

• HELLP Syndrome: A serious condition that involves hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and low platelet count (affecting blood clotting).

• Blood clots

• Death

 

If you experience any symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment often involves medications to lower blood pressure and prevent seizures. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized. ​