Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition that occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and protein in her urine right after childbirth.  Most cases develop within 48 hours after childbirth. However it can also develop  up to 6 weeks after delivery. This is known as late postpartum preeclamapsia.

This condition requires immediate treatment. When left untreated, it can result in seizures and other serious complications. Postpartum preeclampsia is similar to a condition that occurs during pregnancy and resolves with the delivery of the child.

The causes of preeclampsia during pregnancy and after childbirth are not known. While preeclampsia is usually cured by childbirth, it is known that postpartum preeclampsia starts during pregnancy but does not cause any symptoms until after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia ?

Most women who experience this condition shows no symptoms during pregnancy . However if symptoms do show, they may include the following :

• High blood pressure : 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater
• Excessive protein in the urine ( proteinuria)
• Severe headaches
• Swelling of the face and limbs
• Changes in vision including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Upper abdominal pain usually under the ribs on the right side.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased urination
• Sudden weight gain typically more than 2 pounds per week

Contact your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms after childbirth.

Who is at risk ?

You may be at risk if you fall into the following category

• High blood pressure during your most recent pregnancy
• Obesity
• Family History
• Having multiples
• Age ( women younger than 20 years or older than 40 years are at higher risk )

What are the treatment options ?

When diagnosed with this condition, treatment options include the following :

• Medication to lower blood pressure
• Medication to prevent seizures . These medications  include anti anticonvulsive  drug magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. This medication is typically given for 24 hours.

What complications are associated with this condition ?

Complications of postpartum preeclampsia include the following :

• Postpartum eclampsia : This is  essentially postpartum preeclampsia plus seizures.
• Pulmonary edema : This is a life threatening lung condition that occurs when excessive fluid develops in the lungs.
• Stroke : This is when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced and as a result depriving brains tissues of oxygen and food.
• Thromboembolism : This is  blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot that travels from another part of the body.
• HELLP Syndrome : This stands for  hemolysis (the destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count.

There is no known way to prevent this condition. It is important to know the symptoms and call your health care provider immediately.