Recognize the Symptoms and Dangers of High Blood Pressure After Childbirth

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Medical Video: Pregnancy Health Information : Causes of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

High blood pressure after giving birth in medical terms is calledpostpartum preeclampsia. This condition occurs when a woman has high blood pressure and excess protein in her urine after giving birth. Postpartum preeclampsia is dangerous for the mother and fetus so that this condition requires immediate medical treatment.

Overview of postpartum preeclampsia

During this time most people consider preeclampsia can only occur during pregnancy or before giving birth. Even though this is not the case. The reason is, some people may experience this condition after the labor process has passed. Most cases of postpartum preeclampsia can develop within 48 hours after delivery. In some cases, this condition can sometimes develop up to six weeks after giving birth.

Postpartum preeclampsia is usually characterized by preeclampsia-like symptoms during pregnancy, such as:

  • Blood pressure rises to 140/90 mmHg or more
  • Often headaches are great
  • The view becomes blurred
  • Upper abdominal pain (usually below the ribs on the right side)
  • Get tired quickly
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Swelling, especially in the legs
  • Rarely urinate
  • Body weight rises suddenly

Preeclampsia after childbirth is a rare condition. However, if you experience high blood pressure after giving birth, youneed immediate medical treatment. Because if it is not immediately treated, this can cause seizures and serious complications after giving birth.

Causes and risk factors for preeclampsia after childbirth

Until now, the cause of preeclampsia after childbirth is not yet known exactly. However, based on limited research showing that the risk factors for preeclampsia after childbirth include:

  • Have hypertension. If before pregnancy you already have high blood pressure or you experience high blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation (gestational hypertension).
  • Obesity. The risk of preeclampsia after giving birth will be higher if you are obese or overweight.
  • Family history. If your parents or siblings have a history of preeclampsia, you will be at high risk of experiencing this condition too.
  • Age.Women under the age of 20 or over 40 are more at risk of developing preeclampsia.
  • Twin pregnancy. Having been pregnant with twins, three or more twins will also increase your risk of getting preeclampsia.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, recent studies have shown that the father's gene also plays a role in the increased risk of preeclampsia.In many cases, preeclampsia after birth has generally been experienced since the time of pregnancy. It's just that the symptoms appear after giving birth.

Complications to watch out for

  • Eclampsia after childbirth. Eclampsia after childbirth is basically preeclampsia after childbirth coupled with seizures. This condition can permanently damage vital organs, including your brain, liver and kidneys. If not treated immediately, this condition can also cause coma, even death.
  • Pulmonary edema. This life-threatening lung condition occurs when excess fluid develops in the lungs.
  • Stroke. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to parts of the brain is cut off or reduced. This condition is a medical emergency.
  • HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzimes and Low Platelet Count) or hemolysis, increased liver enzymes, and low platelet count. HELLP syndrome, along with preeclampsia, results in many maternal deaths associated with hypertension.
  • Like preeclampsia, preeclampsia after childbirth can also improve risk of heart disease in the future.

What can be done to prevent high blood pressure after giving birth

There are a number of things you can do to prevent preeclampsia after childbirth, including:

  • Check blood pressure regularly during pregnancy and after delivery.
  • Maintain weight during pregnancy.
  • Pay attention to food intake by applying a healthy and nutritious balanced diet, so that all your vitamin and mineral needs during pregnancy are fulfilled.
Recognize the Symptoms and Dangers of High Blood Pressure After Childbirth
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