Can preeclampsia occur after childbirth?

Yes, preeclampsia can occur after childbirth; it is known as postpartum preeclampsia [1]. Although preeclampsia typically occurs during pregnancy, its symptoms can begin to manifest after the baby is born, most often within 48 hours to 6 weeks postpartum [2].

Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, even if the mother did not experience high blood pressure or preeclampsia during her pregnancy [2].

What is postpartum preeclampsia?

Postpartum preeclampsia is a sudden rise in blood pressure occurring after delivery, which may be accompanied by signs of damage to other organs such as the kidneys or liver [1]. This type of preeclampsia can develop even if blood pressure was normal throughout the entire pregnancy [2]. In rare cases, postpartum preeclampsia may progress to cause seizures, a condition known as postpartum eclampsia, which is considered a medical emergency [1].

Signs and symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia

It is very important for a woman to be aware of the symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia, as early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications. Common symptoms include:

• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) [3].
• A severe headache that does not go away with pain relievers [2].
• Vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing spots [1].
• Pain in the upper right abdomen [2].
• Nausea or vomiting [2].
• Swelling in the face and hands [1].
• Difficulty breathing [2].

If any of these symptoms appear after childbirth, the mother must contact her healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency help [3].

When to seek emergency help?

Postpartum preeclampsia can be very dangerous and may lead to death if not treated quickly [2]. Emergency care must be sought immediately if the mother experiences any of the following symptoms:

• Seizures [1].
• Severe, unbearable headache [2].
• Severe vision problems [1].
• Severe abdominal pain [2].
• Severe difficulty breathing [2].

It is essential not to ignore these signs, even if they seem minor, as they may be an indicator of a condition requiring urgent medical intervention [3].

Recovery and follow-up after postpartum preeclampsia

After a diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia, the mother will require close monitoring and treatment, which may include medications to control blood pressure and prevent seizures [1]. Symptoms may persist for several weeks after delivery, but they usually resolve within 6 weeks [1]. It is very important to adhere to all postpartum follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor blood pressure and ensure the condition is stable [3]. Additionally, women who experience postpartum preeclampsia may be at a higher risk for high blood pressure in the future, which necessitates long-term cardiovascular health monitoring [1].

(See Eclampsia (Arabic) for more context on complications.)

Medical references

• High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
• About Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
• High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy