What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Postpartum High Blood Pressure
• Postpartum Hypertension

What is Postpartum Preeclampsia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Postpartum Preeclampsia is a rare condition characterized by high blood pressure that occurs in some women soon after delivery. It may develop as early as 2 days, to as late as six weeks following childbirth
• The predisposing factors for developing Postpartum Preeclampsia may include hypertension during recent pregnancy, obesity and having carried multiple fetuses
• The exact cause of this condition is not known. It is theorized that the changes to a woman’s blood vessels during pregnancy may lead to development of Postpartum Preeclampsia after childbirth
• The signs and symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia may include high blood pressure, headaches, protein in urine and vision changes, among others
• Treatment for the condition may include medication to keep blood pressure under control and anticonvulsant medication. The prognosis of Postpartum Preeclampsia is generally good, if complications, such as seizures, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and embolism, do not develop

Who gets Postpartum Preeclampsia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Postpartum Preeclampsia is rare, but may affect women of all races and ethnic backgrounds 
• The condition is reported worldwide in underdeveloped, developing, and developed countries

What are the Risk Factors for Postpartum Preeclampsia? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are some known risk factors for Postpartum Preeclampsia:

• Maternal age over 40 years during childbirth, or under 20 years at the time of childbirth
• Gestational hypertension
• Having developed high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy (early-onset preeclampsia)
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Having delivered twins or triplets; or, multiple pregnancies
• Obesity
• Living in underdeveloped countries with no or minimal access to prenatal health care

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Postpartum Preeclampsia? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Postpartum Preeclampsia is not well understood
• However, it is theorized that during pregnancy, changes to blood vessels and organs caused by high demand from a developing fetus and abnormalities in the placental blood vessels causes injuries to the lining of blood vessels in the mother. These damages get manifested after the baby is delivered

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia?

The signs and symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia may include:

• High blood pressure
• Swelling in face, hands, and feet (edema) resulting in abnormal weight gain (more than 2 pounds/week)
• Protein in urine
• Headaches that do not subside
• Vision changes, such as seeing flashes of light, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Infrequent urination
• Reduced urine volume

How is Postpartum Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Postpartum Preeclampsia is made on the basis of the following tests and exams:

• A thorough physical examination, with particular emphasis on recent weight gain, edema and blood pressure. Blood pressure in Postpartum Preeclampsia is often 140/90 mm/Hg or higher
• Evaluation of personal and family medical history, including previous pregnancies and complications, if any
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Blood tests that include:
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood clotting
• Liver enzymes
• Urine test to check for protein in urine

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Postpartum Preeclampsia?

The potential complications from Postpartum Preeclampsia include:

• Fluid build-up in lungs
• Stroke
• Movement of a blood clot and blockage of a blood vessel (thromboembolism)
• Progression to Postpartum Eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures
• Progression to HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, increase in liver enzymes and low platelet counts)
• An increased risk for heart and kidney disease in the future
• An increased risk for diabetes

How is Postpartum Preeclampsia Treated?

The treatment for Postpartum Preeclampsia may depend on the severity of the condition, and may include:

• Medication to reduce blood pressure: The various medications used to lower blood pressure include alpha blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, central alpha agonists, diuretics, and vasodilators, among others
• Medication for headache
• Anticonvulsant medications, such as magnesium sulfate, to control seizures
• Hospitalization for monitoring the condition, if severe

How can Postpartum Preeclampsia be Prevented?

• At the present time, no methods or guidelines are available for either predicting or preventing Postpartum Preeclampsia
• Smoking cessation may aid in maintenance of normal blood pressure during pregnancy and post-delivery
• Educating oneself on the condition, being aware of the signs and symptoms, and seeking medical help when they occur may help avoid aggravation of the condition and prevention of complications associated with Postpartum Preeclampsia
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of conditions such as Postpartum Preeclampsia

What is the Prognosis of Postpartum Preeclampsia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With an early diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis of Postpartum Preeclampsia is generally favorable. However, if life-threatening complications develop, the prognosis may be guarded
• Study reports indicate that the outcomes are better in developed nations in comparison to certain underdeveloped or developing countries
• In women with Postpartum Preeclampsia, the risk of preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies is high. Additionally, a history of Postpartum Preeclampsia may predispose a woman to heart disease

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Postpartum Preeclampsia:

• Postpartum Preeclampsia can develop in women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy and normal delivery
• Therefore, after delivery of baby, if a woman experiences persistently severe headaches, difficulty breathing, vision changes, or edema, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention