Postpartum hypertension, also known as postpartum high blood pressure, is a condition that affects some women after giving birth. It is a serious health risk that can lead to more severe heart problems if left untreated.

In this article, we will discuss what postpartum hypertension is, the factors that increase a woman’s risk for developing it, and what can be done to prevent and treat it.

What is Postpartum Hypertension?

Hypertension is another term for high blood pressure, and is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.

Postpartum hypertension is when a woman develops hypertension within the first 6 weeks after giving birth. It can be diagnosed anytime during this period, including during the hospital stay or during a follow-up visit with her healthcare provider.

Postpartum hypertension can be a serious health risk because it can increase a woman’s chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or developing other heart problems later in life.

It can also affect the baby, increasing the chances of low birth weight or premature birth.

What Causes Postpartum Hypertension?

Doctors are not sure why some women develop postpartum hypertension, but there are several factors that can increase a woman’s risk for developing it. These include:.

The woman had high blood pressure during pregnancy
The woman had preeclampsia during pregnancy
The woman is overweight or obese
The woman has other health conditions that can affect blood pressure, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease
The woman is older than 35 years
The woman has a family history of hypertension or heart disease

Symptoms of Postpartum Hypertension

Postpartum hypertension often has no symptoms, which is why it’s important for women to have their blood pressure checked regularly after giving birth. If symptoms do occur, they may include:.

Headaches
Blurred vision
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the hands, feet, and face

If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should contact her healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hypertension

Preventing postpartum hypertension starts during pregnancy. Women should have regular prenatal checkups and tell their healthcare provider if they have any risk factors for hypertension.

During labor and delivery, healthcare providers will monitor a woman’s blood pressure for any signs of hypertension or preeclampsia.

After giving birth, women should have their blood pressure checked regularly. This can be done during a follow-up visit with their healthcare provider or through a home monitoring program.

Women who had hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy should have their blood pressure checked within 72 hours of giving birth.

If a woman is diagnosed with postpartum hypertension, treatment may include medications to lower blood pressure and lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

Women should also limit their sodium intake and avoid alcohol and tobacco products.

The Importance of Postpartum Follow-Up Care

Postpartum hypertension is a serious health risk for women, but it can be prevented and treated with proper care and monitoring.

Women who have recently given birth should have regular follow-up visits with their healthcare provider to ensure their blood pressure is within a healthy range and to screen for other potential health problems. By taking the proper steps to manage their health after giving birth, women can reduce their risk of developing heart problems later in life.