A New Beginning

POSTPARTUM PREECLAMPSIA What is it?

Mom’s Discharge

Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious problem with elevated blood pressure that usually occurs within the first few days after birth up to 6 weeks after going home. It can happen to women who have never experienced high blood pressure before or during their pregnancy. Preeclampsia increased 25% in the past 20 years. It is the main reason for postpartum complications. It is called the “Silent Killer” because many women don’t realize they have it. What women are at highest risk for postpartum preeclampsia? • Women with diabetes including gestational diabetes • First pregnancy • Older than 35 or younger than 20 • Obesity — especially if your BMI is 30 or higher • Women with an autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple schlerosis • Chronic hypertension or kidney disease • Delivering twins or triplets • High blood pressure in this or earlier pregnancies • Family history of preeclampsia • African American or Latina heritage

GESTATIONAL DIABETES Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after you deliver and blood sugars return to normal, you need to be screened for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after you deliver. If you had gestational diabetes, you are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes within the next 5 years. Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease. Tell your primary health care provider if you had gestational diabetes during this pregnancy. You will need to be tested for diabetes at your routine checkups. Also tell your baby’s health care provider. Your baby is at risk for problems with their blood sugar too. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE If you had high blood pressure before you became pregnant or started during this pregnancy, you are at risk for developing heart disease. If you had preeclampsia, you are at high-risk for stroke, blood clots, and high blood pressure after you deliver. Problems with high blood pressure can start during the first 6 weeks after you deliver, even if you had a normal pregnancy and delivery. (See Postpartum Preeclampsia) DELIVERED BEFORE 37 WEEKS Women with high blood pressure who delivered before 37 weeks are 10 times more likely to develop heart disease.

Tell your primary health care provider of any pregnancy complications.

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Chapter 4: Mom’s Discharge