Postpartum hypertension is a rare condition indicated by high blood pressure (BP) and elevated levels of protein in the urine in women soon after childbirth. The condition can happen up to six weeks after the baby is born.
How much is too much?
Normal: 120/80
High: 140/90
Emergency: 160/110 or higher
Signs and Symptoms of high blood pressure during or after delivery:
- Blood pressure of 160/110 or higher
- Severe headache
- Protein in urine
- Decreased urination
- Rapid weight gain
- Seeing spots or sparkles or blurred vision
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Swelling in the hands, face, or feet
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
The exact cause of postpartum hypertension is unknown. Doctors say that certain factors increase your risk of developing high Blood Pressure after delivery.
What are the risk factors for postpartum hypertension?
Certain factors increase the risk of postpartum hypertension or preeclampsia. If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at higher risk:
- Obesity: The risk of postpartum high blood pressure is higher if you are obese (BMI > 30)
- High blood pressure during pregnancy: The risk of postpartum high blood pressure increases if you develop high blood pressure after 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) of pregnancy (gestational hypertension).
- Family or personal history of postpartum hypertension: If you have had postpartum high blood pressure in your previous pregnancy, that can increase your chances of postpartum hypertension with other pregnancies as well
- Age: Being older than 40 or younger than 20 at childbirth may increase the risk of postpartum hypertension.
- Expecting multiples: Having twins, triplets or more increases your risk of high blood pressure after childbirth
- Diabetes: Existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) increases your risk of postpartum hypertension
How is postpartum hypertension diagnosed?
- Blood pressure check
- Blood tests: Platelet count, Liver, and Kidney function test
- Urinalysis: To check for protein levels in the urine
- Brain scan to look for brain damage in case of a seizure
Management of Postpartum Hypertension
High blood pressure after childbirth can be effectively managed by:
- Blood pressure medicines: These medicines help to lower your blood pressure levels
- Antiseizure medicines: Medicines to prevent seizures are prescribed as it is one of the most common risks of postpartum hypertension.
- Anticoagulants (blood thinner): These medications help to reduce the risk of blood clots
Postpartum hypertension can be effectively managed while breastfeeding.
What Are The Complications Of Postpartum High Blood Pressure?
Postpartum High blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as:
- Permanent damage to the brain, liver, and kidneys
- Seizures
- Excess fluid in the lungs
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- HELLP syndrome (hemolysis (destruction of RBCs), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome)
- Death
If You Are At A High Risk Of Postpartum Hypertension, Your Doctor May
- Discuss the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure with you
- Recommend taking low-dose aspirin to prevent high blood pressure during your next pregnancy
- Encourage you to have an active lifestyle and to eat a healthy diet
Untreated postpartum hypertension can be life-threatening. Consult your doctor to know more about the condition.