Postpartum Preeclampsia

Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition in which preeclampsia symptoms continue after the baby is delivered. It is also possible for a woman who did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy to develop postpartum preeclampsia. Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia include high blood pressure, headache, and vision problems. Treatment for postpartum preeclampsia may include blood pressure medication, steroids, blood transfusion, and surgery.

 

Postpartum Preeclampsia: An Introduction

In most women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, the preeclampsia cure is delivery of the baby. Within 1 to 2 days, preeclampsia symptoms fade. In rare cases, preeclampsia symptoms continue after the baby is delivered. This is known as postpartum preeclampsia. It is also possible for a woman who did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy to develop postpartum preeclampsia. In this case, studies have shown that symptoms can begin up to 6 weeks after the delivery of the baby.
 

Symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia

For a woman with postpartum preeclampsia, symptoms can include:
 
  • High blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Vision problems (such as seeing spots, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light)
  • Decrease in the amount of urine produced
  • A low amount of blood-clotting cells (known as platelets).
     
Postpartum preeclampsia symptoms can become severe. They include:
 
  • Multiple organ failure
  • Infections
  • Blood-clotting problems.
     

Treatment for Postpartum Preeclampsia

If a woman develops postpartum preeclampsia, the treatment will depend on how serious the symptoms are.
 Some postpartum treatment options may include:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD