Preeclampsia After Delivery: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Prevention – High blood pressure or hypertension after childbirth in medical terms is called postpartum preeclampsia. The condition occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine after giving birth. Postpartum preeclampsia is dangerous for both the mother and fetus, so the condition requires immediate medical treatment.
During this time you may know that preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy. In fact, preeclampsia after childbirth or so-called postpartum preeclampsia can also occur. If preeclampsia during pregnancy can be risky, then what about the effects of preeclampsia after childbirth?
Although rare, preeclampsia conditions after childbirth are also worth watching out for, as they pose a serious risk to new mothers.
Generally, a sign if a new mother suffers from postpartum preeclampsia is experiencing high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine.
The frightening part of postpartum preeclampsia is the delay that can occur between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. It can cause serious illnesses that can be life-threatening.
Most cases of postpartum preeclampsia can develop within 48 hours after childbirth. In some cases, symptoms of hypertension can sometimes also develop up to six weeks after giving birth.
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Preeclampsia After Delivery Symptoms
Postpartum preeclampsia is usually characterized by symptoms similar to preeclampsia during pregnancy, such as:
- Blood pressure rises to 140/90 mmHg or more
- Frequent severe headaches
- The view becomes blurred
- Upper abdominal pain (usually under the ribs on the right side)
- Get tired quickly
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swelling, especially in the legs
- Rarely urinate
- Weight gain suddenly.
Preeclampsia after childbirth is a rare condition. However, if you experience high blood pressure or hypertension after childbirth, you need immediate medical treatment. Because if not treated immediately, this can lead to seizures and serious complications after childbirth.
Risk Factors and Causes of Preeclampsia After Delivery
The cause of preeclampsia is still unknown. Risk factors for preeclampsia include:
- Has a history or health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease (lupus), or antiphospholipid syndrome
- Has a history of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
- Pregnant at the age of 35 or less than 18 years old
- First time pregnant.
- Obesity
- Twin pregnancies
- Very long gestational distance (10 years or more) from previous pregnancy
- In addition, genetic factors, dietary foods or nutrients, as well as vascular disorders.
Diagnosis
To enforce the diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia, the doctor will usually perform several routine checkups after you give birth. Some of them are with blood tests and urine tests.
Blood tests are carried out to check kidney and liver function. The test also showed platelet levels in the blood. Platelets are cells that regulate blood clots and those are very important in the case of excessive bleeding.
Meanwhile, urine tests are carried out to check protein levels in urine. If there is more than 300 mg of protein in your urine, there is a chance you have postpartum preeclampsia.
How to prevent preeclampsia after delivery
Preeclampsia after childbirth is a rare condition, but it is necessary to be aware if the following symptoms appear:
- Blood pressure rises ≥ 140/90 mmHg
- Severe headaches
- Vision becomes blurred
- Upper abdominal pain (usually under the ribs on the right side)
- Easily tired
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swelling of the legs
- Reduced urine volume or rarely urination
- Weight gain suddenly
Properly treating postpartum pre-eclampsia is necessary to avoid complications. Prevention of preeclampsia can be done by conducting regular pregnancy checks to health facilities such as regular blood pressure checks during pregnancy and after childbirth, maintaining weight during pregnancy, doing a healthy diet with balanced nutrition.
Controlling Weight Loss
Obesity or excess weight is known to interfere with hormone balance and metabolism in the body, making mothers more at risk of preeclamsia. So, pregnant women need to keep their weight within normal limits, both before and during pregnancy.
Maintaining Food Intake
Pregnant women also need to limit their eating of high-salt foods to prevent blood pressure from rising. In addition, mothers are also encouraged to meet the needs of calcium intake, both through food consumed daily and by taking calcium supplements. However, you should discuss with your obstetrician first before taking certain supplements. Unhealthy foods, such as high-sugar, oily, and preserved foods are also mandatory for mothers to avoid.
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Diligently Consuming Probiotics
In a study found results that pregnant women who often consumed milk or foods rich in probiotic content were at less risk of experiencing complications of late pregnancy or preeclamsia. So, eat yoghurt, kimchi, Kombucha, mozzarella cheese and pickled cucumbers frequently during pregnancy.
