Health After Delivery: Postpartum Preeclampsia and Other Concerns

Congratulations — a new baby has joined the family! It’s a blessed time. But mom, you did some hard work. As you take on the tasks of new motherhood, make sure you’re also watching for symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia and other health issues.

Even if you did not have a high-risk pregnancy, there’s always a potential for complications to occur in the days after delivery. While you’re in the hospital, our dedicated team of labor and delivery specialists will be watching for signs of postpartum complications. After you return home, however, it’s important for you and those around you to do the same.

Read More: What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Potential Postpartum Complications

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists identifies three main postpartum complications to be aware of — postpartum preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum endometritis.

• Postpartum preeclampsia is a form of high blood pressure that usually occurs within a few days of delivery but can develop up to six weeks later. The cause is unknown, but you are at higher risk if you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure, are obese, or were pregnant with multiples. The condition can cause abdominal pain, changes to your vision, bad headaches, swelling, shortness of breath and chest pain. Postpartum preeclampsia requires immediate treatment to prevent seizures and minimize the risk of stroke and organ damage.
• Postpartum hemorrhage is bleeding after birth that’s heavier than normal. While postpartum hemorrhage usually occurs within the first day after giving birth, it can occur up to three months later. Typically, uterine contractions tighten blood vessels, limiting bleeding. When this doesn’t happen, hemorrhage may occur. Medication and abdominal massage may be used to help the uterus contract. In some cases, surgery may be required to curtail bleeding.
• Postpartum endometritis affects the uterine lining, or endometrium. During childbirth, bacteria can enter the endometrium, causing an infection. This can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis and organ failure. Postpartum endometritis usually occurs within 10 days after delivery but can develop up to six weeks later. Because postpartum endometritis is a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics, usually given by IV.

“While most women recover after delivery without serious issues, complications can and do occur,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, a board-certified OBGYN at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “Postpartum complications like these can occur suddenly and become life threatening. If you’re experiencing something that seems out of the norm, don’t wait — seek medical attention.”

Read More: 5 Pregnancy Complications Black Women Should Know About

Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For

If you experienced health issues during pregnancy or delivery, you may be at a higher risk of developing postpartum complications. But even women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery can be at risk.

Take good care of yourself in the days and weeks following delivery. Watch specifically for the following warning signs:

• Confusion
• Discomfort in the shoulder or the abdomen
• Excessive bleeding (two pads per hour for more than an hour or two) or the presence of a large blood clot
• Excessive fatigue
• Faintness, dizziness or weakness
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Low or high blood pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or swelling near the vagina or between the vagina and the anus
• Pale or clammy skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling in the face or hands
• Unrelenting headache
• Vision changes, including floaters, blurring or sensitivity to light

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek immediate emergency medical attention. While the symptoms may sometimes be caused by something less serious than a postpartum complication, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Trust your gut even if you have symptoms that aren’t listed above. If you feel like something “just isn’t right,” call your OBGYN or another medical provider about your concerns.

Newborns are precious and miraculous, but mom’s life and health are important, too.

Having a baby can change your life. Learn the basics of caring for yourself and your new baby in one of our Baby University classes.