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Postpartum Preeclampsia
Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition in which preeclampsia symptoms continue after the baby is delivered. A woman who did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy can develop it postpartum. Symptoms include high blood pressure, headache, and vision problems. Treatment options may include blood pressure medication, steroids, blood transfusion, and surgery.
In most women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, the cure is delivery of the baby. Within one to two days, symptoms fade. In rare cases, however, signs of preeclampsia continue after the baby is delivered. This is known as postpartum preeclampsia.
It is possible for a woman who did not have preeclampsia during pregnancy to develop it afterwards (postpartum). In this case, studies have shown that symptoms can begin up to six weeks after delivery of the baby.
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).
Symptoms can become severe. They include:
- Multiple organ failure
- Infections
- Blood-clotting problems.
If a woman develops postpartum preeclampsia, the treatment will depend on how serious the symptoms are. Some treatment options may include:
- Blood pressure medicine
- Anti-seizure medications
- Steroids
- Blood transfusion
- Surgery.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD