Postpartum hypertension

Blood pressure can rise during pregnancy or after delivery, including in someone whose readings were previously normal. Headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, nausea, breathlessness or sudden swelling may occur, but some people feel well. Uncontrolled hypertension can strain blood vessels and organs, including the brain, heart and kidneys.

Attend every blood-pressure review and use a validated home monitor only if your clinician has shown you how to measure correctly. Write down readings, symptoms and medicine times. Take prescribed treatment consistently, avoid doubling a missed dose unless advised, and tell the clinician if you are breastfeeding or taking other medicines.

Seek emergency help for a severe or persistent headache, vision loss or flashing lights, chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure or severe upper-abdominal pain. Contact your maternity or primary-care team promptly for repeated high readings, worsening swelling or new symptoms.

Ask how often to check blood pressure, what reading requires urgent advice, how long treatment may be needed, and whether kidney or heart checks are appropriate.