High Blood Pressure After Delivery

High Blood Pressure After Delivery: What to Watch For

High arterial blood pressure (hypertension) can first appear not only during pregnancy but also in the first days and weeks after delivery. This condition requires careful monitoring because it can be a sign of postpartum preeclampsia — a serious complication that threatens a woman's health. Even if you have never had blood pressure problems, it is important to know the warning symptoms.

What Is Postpartum Preeclampsia?

It is a condition similar to pregnancy preeclampsia, but it develops after the baby is born, usually within the first 48 hours, though sometimes up to 6 weeks postpartum. It is characterized by high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher) and other signs of organ involvement, most often the kidneys (indicated by protein in the urine) and the liver.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

The risk group includes women who had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy. However, this condition can also develop in women who had completely normal blood pressure throughout the entire term. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the following “red flags”:

• Severe headache, that is not relieved by ordinary painkillers.
• Visual disturbances: "floaters" in front of the eyes, blurriness, increased sensitivity to light.
• Severe pain in the upper right abdomen or stomach area.
• Sudden and severe swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Do not ignore these symptoms by attributing them to ordinary postpartum fatigue. Blood pressure measurement is an important part of your recovery. If warning signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor or go to an emergency department.