Pre-eclampsia after giving birth: what to know

Giving birth does not make every pregnancy-related blood pressure problem disappear immediately. Postnatal pre-eclampsia may involve raised blood pressure and changes affecting organs such as the kidneys, liver or brain. It can occur even when pregnancy blood pressure was normal, and symptoms may develop after leaving hospital.

Warning symptoms include a severe headache, visual changes, pain beneath the ribs, nausea, breathlessness, chest pain or sudden swelling. Some people have no symptoms, so blood pressure checks and follow-up remain useful after delivery.

Take blood pressure medicine as prescribed and attend the postnatal review arranged for you. Keep a written record of readings if your team has provided a monitor, and report readings or symptoms using the contact number they gave you. Check before taking anti-inflammatory pain medicines or supplements, especially if you are breastfeeding or have kidney concerns.

Rest when possible, but do not dismiss a concerning symptom as ordinary tiredness after labour. Tell another adult what warning signs to watch for while you care for your baby.

Contact urgent maternity or emergency care for a severe persistent headache, loss or change of vision, severe upper abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, seizures, heavy bleeding or feeling suddenly very unwell. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, confused or unsafe.

Ask when your next blood pressure check is due, which readings require a call, how long treatment may continue, whether medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, and who to contact overnight.