Postpartum hypertension is when a person experiences high blood pressure after giving birth. It can have serious complications, but it is treatable.
The postpartum period begins when a person gives birth and lasts
Hypertension is high blood pressure, a condition that increases someone’s risk of health complications.
This article discusses the causes of postpartum hypertension, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also discusses the risk factors, complications, prevention, outlook, and when to consult a doctor.
A person’s blood pressure usually peaks
Several factors can contribute to postpartum hypertension.
They include:
- pain
- medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- restoration of vascular tone, which is the blood vessels’ ability to dilate and contract
- fluid retention
- preeclampsia
- gestational hypertension, which refers to high blood pressure during pregnancy
People with preeclampsia, or preexisting hypertension, may require more careful monitoring.
When preeclampsia and gestational hypertension contribute to postpartum hypertension, it usually resolves by 12 weeks. If high blood pressure persists beyond this point, there may be other causes.
Signs of postpartum hypertension include:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- vision changes
- upper right abdominal pain
- breathing difficulties
- hand or face swelling
- decreased urine output
However, some people experiencing postpartum hypertension have no symptoms.
Read more about the symptoms of high blood pressure.
When the heart pumps blood, the force it exerts against blood vessel walls is known as blood pressure.
Doctors measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) using two numbers:
- Systolic: This is the upper number and represents the force against blood vessel walls during each heartbeat.
- Diastolic: This is the lower number and represents the force against blood vessel walls between heartbeats when the heart is relaxed.
In postpartum, doctors classify blood pressure in the following ways:
| Blood pressure | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 120 | 80 |
| High | 140 | 90 |
| Hypertensive crisis (emergency) | 160 | 110 |
The
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates in response to factors such as stress or physical activity. So, one elevated reading is not enough to diagnose hypertension.
For a doctor to
To assess the effects of postpartum hypertension, doctors may also conduct a physical exam and order more tests, such as:
- blood tests
- urinalysis
- CT scans
- MRI scans
If a person has no symptoms and their blood pressure is
A 2023 study found that:
- People using nifedipine had a 65% lower risk of hospital readmission for hypertensive complications than those who went without treatment.
- Those who used nifedipine with labetalol had a 56% reduction in their risk of hospital readmission.
Whether a person chooses to breastfeed their newborn can affect postpartum hypertension treatment. Some medications are safe for use during breastfeeding. However, some are unsuitable, such as angiotensin-2 receptor blockers.
A doctor will recommend hospital treatment if a person has postpartum preeclampsia with severe features, which may include signs of impaired liver function and shortness of breath. Management may include blood pressure monitoring, regular blood tests, and giving the person magnesium.
Although anyone can experience postpartum hypertension, certain
They include:
- current or former tobacco use
- illegal drug use
- being 35 years and older
- cesarean delivery
- non-Hispanic Black race
- early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- dehydration
- excess fluid administration
- hypertension during pregnancy
- preeclampsia during pregnancy
Read more about risk factors for high blood pressure.
A person experiencing postpartum hypertension may be at risk of complications, including:
- hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome
- chronic hypertension
- coronary heart disease
- heart failure
- kidney failure
- eclampsia
- pulmonary edema
- stroke
A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise may help reduce a person’s risk of developing postpartum hypertension. A person can ask a doctor to recommend exercises suitable for pregnancy.
If someone experiences preeclampsia or has a history of high blood pressure, avoiding NSAIDs for pain control may reduce their risk of postpartum hypertension.
Some
A person needs to contact a doctor if they experience the following symptoms:
- vision changes
- persistent headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
Immediate help is vital if a person has these symptoms:
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- loss of consciousness
Hypertension increases a person’s risk of stroke. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Signs of stroke include:
- sudden changes in balance
- noticeable change in vision
- facial weakness, numbness, or drooping
- weakness or numbness in an arm
- slurred speech
- speech comprehension troubles
- sudden and severe headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- seizure
Read more about what a stroke feels like.
Postpartum hypertension is treatable with medication and can resolve without issues.
An estimated
Postpartum hypertension is also potentially serious and, when severe, can lead to life threatening issues, such as organ failure and stroke.
Postpartum hypertension is high blood pressure during the 6 to 8 weeks following childbirth.
Certain factors increase a person’s risk of experiencing postpartum hypertension, including previous hypertension and preeclampsia.
Postpartum hypertension can cause serious complications, such as organ damage and stroke. However, it is treatable with medication and often resolves without long-term effects.