In plain words
Postpartum preeclampsia is that starts after birth. Most cases appear within the first 48 hours to seven days, and some appear up to six weeks later. A third to a half of cases happen in mothers whose blood pressure was normal during pregnancy. That is why the postpartum period needs checking, even when pregnancy went well. Warning signs include a severe headache that does not go away, vision changes, pain under the ribs, nausea or vomiting, sudden swelling of the face or hands, and shortness of breath. Blood pressure can be checked at home if a provider has asked for it. Any of these signs is a same-day call to your provider. A seizure, chest pain, or trouble breathing is an emergency: call 911.
The deeper version
Postpartum preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder defined by new hypertension of 140/90 mmHg or higher with or end-organ features after 20 weeks, presenting after delivery. Most cases occur within 48 hours to 7 days, and occasional cases occur up to 6 weeks postpartum. The proportion arising in women without antenatal hypertension is reported as roughly one third to one half. The pathophysiology overlaps with antepartum disease, with and antiangiogenic imbalance, and fluid shifts after delivery are thought to contribute. ACOG Committee Opinion 767 (2019) recommends rapid evaluation and treatment of in the postpartum period. The main controversy is the ideal length and method of postpartum blood pressure surveillance after discharge.
Where it comes up
- High blood pressure and preeclampsiaPregnancy: Your Body
- Headaches after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Going home: the car ride and the first eveningBirth and the First Days
- The first 40 daysSupport, Home, and Village
- Writing a postpartum plan (the plan that matters more)Getting Ready for Birth
What mothers here say about postpartum preeclampsia
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion 767: Emergent Therapy for Acute-Onset, Severe Hypertension During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period (2019)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy: Hypertension in Pregnancy report (2013)