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After giving birth, you don’t have to only worry about sleepless nights and breastfeeding issues. There can also be postpartum problems that affect you physically as well as mentally. Right from infections to depression, new moms can experience anything. Keeping an eye on the blood pressure is also important, as there is a chance of ending up with postpartum hypertension. It refers to high blood pressure that new moms can face soon after pregnancy. It should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to problems, including heart failure.
“It refers to high blood pressure (more than 140/90 millimeters of mercury or mmHg) that occurs after childbirth,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi. Postpartum hypertension, which affects approximately 2 percent of pregnancies, usually occurs within the first 48 hours to 6 weeks after delivery, as per research published in Current Obstetrics And Gynecology Reports in 2022.
“This condition needs careful monitoring and treatment, as untreated postpartum hypertension can lead to many complications,” says the expert. Cardiac, and kidney failure are some of the complications of this condition, as per research published in the Journal Of Clinical Hypertension in 2009.
It may not always show noticeable signs, but when it does, it can include:
“If you experience severe headaches, vision problems, chest pain, or shortness of breath, make sure to check with a doctor. These could indicate serious complications like postpartum preeclampsia or stroke,” says the expert.
Here are the key causes of postpartum hypertension:
Hypertension or high blood pressure is not something that only pregnant or new moms experience. “Women with chronic high blood pressure even before pregnancy may continue to experience this even after delivering a child. This may lead to postpartum hypertension,” says Dr Vishnoi.
Women can have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension. They are associated with a high risk of postpartum hypertension, as per research published in Clinical Epidemiology And Global Health in 2024. “In gestational hypertension, high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy can persist after childbirth,” says the expert.
If you thought only menstruating women and expecting moms go through hormonal changes then think again. “After childbirth, your body undergoes major hormonal fluctuations, like there can be a rapid decrease in estrogen and progesterone. The changes can affect blood pressure regulation,” says the expert.
New mothers often experience stress, and sleep deprivation, which can elevate blood pressure. So, make sure to do things that help to reduce stress. It can be something as simple as listening to calming music or meditating or penning down your thoughts in your journal.
“High sodium intake, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can contribute to postpartum hypertension,” says the expert. This does not mean, you immediately start working out. Check with your doctor before thinking of shedding extra weight that you put on during pregnancy. Also, reduce foods with a lot of salt, and stay away from alcohol and cigarettes.
Treatment for postpartum hypertension depends on your blood pressure levels, severity, and the presence of complications.
“Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications like labetalol, which can lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels,” says the expert. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that can help reduce blood pressure. Don’t stop taking these medications suddenly, especially without consulting your doctor.
In addition to medication, healthy habits can help control blood pressure:
While going to the doctor is good, you can also check your blood pressure at home daily, especially within the first 6 weeks after delivering your baby. “Take immediate help if your blood pressure reaches 160/110 mmHg, as this is dangerously high and hospitalisation may be required,” says the expert.
Postpartum hypertension can affect women soon after delivering a child. It should be treated on time otherwise it can affect the heart. Simple lifestyle changes after delivery make a lot of difference when it comes to managing high blood pressure after pregnancy.
Take a PollTake a PollIn mild cases, blood pressure usually returns to normal within 1 to 6 weeks after delivery. If high blood pressure persists beyond 12 weeks postpartum, it will be called chronic hypertension. Long-term cardiovascular health monitoring is needed in such cases.
In postpartum hypertension, the blood pressure is high, which is more than 140/90 mmHg after childbirth. As for postpartum preeclampsia, there is high blood pressure with organ damage (kidneys, liver, brain) after childbirth.
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