Preeclampsia risks after delivery

Although delivery removes the pregnancy, blood pressure problems may appear in the days that follow. Warning signs can include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision, pain beneath the ribs or in the upper abdomen, sudden swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, confusion, or feeling unusually unwell. A routine postnatal tired feeling does not explain away these symptoms.

Assessment may include repeated blood-pressure checks, urine testing and blood tests. Clinicians may also ask about medicines, bleeding, breathing and neurological symptoms. Treatment can include blood-pressure medicine and observation; the plan depends on your findings and whether you are breastfeeding.

Keep any postnatal blood-pressure appointment and take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. If you have a home monitor, record readings with the time and your symptoms, but do not delay care while checking repeatedly. Rest when possible, keep fluids available, and ask another adult to help with the baby if you feel unwell. Your maternity team can explain follow-up through an Antenatal Care Package.

Contact your maternity unit or urgent medical service promptly for a severe headache that does not settle, visual disturbance, upper-abdominal pain, sudden swelling, breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, weakness, or confusion. Seek emergency help if breathing is difficult, you have a seizure, or you cannot stay awake. Tell staff that you recently gave birth and may have had preeclampsia.

Ask when your blood pressure should be checked again, how long to continue each medicine, which symptoms require emergency help, and whether you need kidney, liver or urine follow-up. Also ask how treatment fits with feeding your baby and who to contact outside clinic hours.