Postpartum Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms and Management

Postpartum Hypertension

There is several unpredictable conditions a woman face after and before childbirth. With the start of pregnancy, there is physiological and physical changes in the female body many pregnant women also have to face preeclampsia or gestational hypertension where the blood pressure of expecting mother rises after the 20th week of gestation. In most of the women, this issue is solved after delivery, but in some cases, it takes few weeks to a month after childbirth for the blood pressure to reach back standard. In this article, we will discuss causes symptoms and management if postpartum hypertension.

What is Postpartum Hypertension?

Postpartum hypertension sets after delivery and is characterized by high blood pressure along with an excess of urine in blood in some cases. In some women, this condition sets in late after the childbirth and is termed as late postpartum hypertension.

What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Hypertension

The significant symptoms of postpartum hypertension are a severe headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, little urine output, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, blurred vision and swelling on the face.

What Causes Postpartum Hypertension

Although the exact cause of postpartum hypertension is not known. Some of the risk factors for postpartum hypertension are As follows.

Women in whom gestational hypertension that sets after 20th-week f pregnancy may suffer from postpartum hypertension. Obese women and those with a family history of preeclampsia are more susceptible to it. Women who are above 40 years of age or 20 years also have more chances to develop it. Women who are giving birth to twins or triplets are even at risk.

What are the Complications of Postpartum Hypertension

Postpartum Hypertension Complications may Cause following Conditions:

1.Pulmonary Oedema-

It is a life-threatening condition that affects the lungs as fluids get accumulated in lungs and cause difficulty in breathing.

2.Postpartum Eclampsia-

This is a situation where along with high blood pressure there is protein in urine and is accompanied by seizures that may damage organ and patient may go into a coma.

3.Stroke-

When the blood supply to the brain is thwarted it results in the stroke which is a life-threatening condition if medical help doesn’t reach time.

How is Postpartum Hypertension Treated

The females suffering from postpartum hypertension is addicted in the hospital for proper evaluation and the treatment. Specific lab tests are conducted like blood draw and urine analysis. Also, blood is examined to find the required number of places are present or not for the proper functioning of kidney and liver.

Doctor prescribe specific hypertensive medicine for the treatment and manage blood pressure with normal rage. Anti-convulsive medication are given if seizures happen.

Be regular with the medicines your doctor suggest as they are safe even if you are breast feeding your baby.

How to Prevent Postpartum Hypertension

There is few preclusive measures you need to take during pregnancy to avoid postpartum hypertension.

1.Maintains your Body Weight-

Pregnancy does add weight, but you need to gain weight correctly. Underweight and excess weight both can lead to different medical issues.

2.Remain Active-

Keep in mind you are pregnant you are not sick, so you do not need to rest all the time. Be active and also resort to moderate exercise. Consult your professional physiotherapist to learn exercises you should practice during pregnancy.

3.Eat Right-

Do not overeat and also eat right foods. Limit common salt in your diet. Do not consume table salt. Avoid junk and processed foods. Cut down caffeine and alcoholic drinks.

4.Stay Hydrated-

Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated.

5.Visit your Doctor Regularly-

Visit your doctor as scheduled and get your blood pressure checked at intervals so that gestational hypertension can be managed well in time your blood pressure rises. In case you have swelling of the body meet your doctor.

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