# Can preeclampsia occur after childbirth? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/postpartum-preeclampsia-can-it-happen-after-delivery Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.299Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.299Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/postpartum-preeclampsia-can-it-happen-after-delivery 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]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/postpartum-preeclampsia-can-it-happen-after-delivery#answer