Pregnancy manifests itself in various ways in women apart from its more obvious signs. Women may go through certain complications, changes in blood pressure, aches and much more. However, some complications may appear well after delivery in some women, like the postpartum preeclampsia. Understanding the reason for this condition and the ways to treat it can be essential to help you find relief from it.
Postpartum preeclampsia is similar to preeclampsia, but it develops soon after the delivery. The condition is characterized by high blood pressure and an excess amount of protein in the urine (over 300mg). In most cases this condition develops within 48 to 72 hours of delivery; however, in some cases, it may even appear at about six weeks after delivery.
Being diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia after pregnancy means that you will need to spend a few extra days in the hospital until your blood pressure is under control. Immediate treatment is required for this condition as lack of treated may result in seizures or other complications.
The causes of postpartum preeclampsia aren’t well-known. It is believed that the condition may have been developing in your body all through pregnancy and only becomes evident after delivery. It is also believed that PPP may be the result of an anomaly in the lining of the blood vessels while you are pregnant and this may get affected due to certain genetic or environmental factors.
There are several risk factors that are associated with postpartum preeclampsia. Some of the common ones are
Many symptoms associated with postpartum preeclampsia are quite similar to the symptoms of preeclampsia.
Doctors will run a regular check-up after delivery and in case they suspect PPP, they will recommend certain tests. A blood test and a urine test are the usual methods used to diagnose postpartum preeclampsia.
In case your diagnosis is positive, you will need to spend a few more days in the hospitals so that the doctors can monitor your blood pressure and start treatment for the condition.
Postpartum preeclampsia management is usually done through medications. If you have a mild case of PPP, you will be administered with magnesium sulfate for about 24 hours and will be monitored closely. This is an anticonvulsive and prevents seizures. In case your blood pressure is over 150/100 you will be given anti-hypertensive medications like Labetalol, Nifedipine, Hydralazine, etc. The dosage of these medications is gradually reduced as your blood pressure begins to normalize. These medications may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc.
While there are no definitive ways to prevent PPP, keeping track of your general health and adopting a healthy lifestyle can be the key to prevention. Some of the best ways to prevent the condition are
Postpartum preeclampsia, if left untreated, may often lead to other complications like seizures. Some of the complications of PPP include,
Childbirth will leave you physically and mentally strained on its own. Being diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia can be even more challenging at this point in time as it means a longer hospital stay. It is important to understand that you will need to cooperative with your doctor to get treated on time and prevent any further complications. Also, try and understand everything you can about the conditions to know your options. It is also necessary to reach out to your loved ones for support during this time and focus on being a doting mother to your new baby.
In case you have any questions about the condition, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. Postpartum preeclampsia recovery is a process that will take place gradually with proper care and treatment.
Preeclampsia may lead to a premature labour and delivery. There are good chances that your baby may be born before 37 weeks. If a baby is born before 32 weeks, then the baby will go through a lot of health issues as it hasn’t had the chance to develop completely.
You can breastfeed your baby even if you have PPP. However, the condition may lower your breast milk supply. You can speak to your doctor about this. Also, ensure to tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding when he prescribes medicines for the condition.
Preeclampsia is when a woman has high blood pressure during pregnancy with gestation at 20 weeks. It can also increase the amount of protein in the urine.
Eclampsia is a severe type of preeclampsia and has seizures. This is a critical condition and may lead to damage to the heart, brain and even result in coma.
While the amount of protein in urine is one of the main indicators of PPP, recent studies have concluded that postpartum preeclampsia may even occur without an increased level of protein in the urine.
If you have had preeclampsia in your previous pregnancy, you are at a high risk of developing PPP again. But, in case your previous pregnancy was normal, your risks of PPP are relatively lower, except unless you are obese, have hypertension or have a family history of postpartum preeclampsia.
Post pregnancy time can be stressful enough even without having a complicated condition hovering over you. However, in case you are diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia, you will need to remain calm and understand that your first and foremost task is to tend to your newborn. Breastfeed your baby and enjoy the first few months of your baby’s life. Seek help from your family or friends during this time to ease your burden even after you are discharged. It is important that you regain your health back before engaging in any chores that could strain you. Ensure to communicate with your doctor about any doubts or changes that you notice in order to facilitate your treatment further.