I'm concerned about developing postpartum hypertension/pre-eclampsia. Can anyone who has had it offer me some advice?

Question

What are the common symptoms of postpartum hypertension/pre-eclampsia and how can it be prevented? Are there any specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it?

Answer

I don’t know if it can be prevented.  But watch for the warning signs: headache, swelling, vision changes either blurred vision or flashers, pain in upper abdomen and high blood pressure.

Answer

I don’t think there’s any way to prevent it, if it is going to happen it will, but certain things put you more at risk. For example my last pregnancy I developed gestational hypertension and had severe swelling in my hands and feet, and my face in the last few weeks. When I was 38 weeks exactly my doctors made the decision to not take any more risks and just went ahead and induced me that day. I had to monitor my blood pressure after the birth and come in one week postpartum to have it checked in the office because I was at higher risk of developing preeclampsia after birth due to the BP. But luckily for me giving birth was what my body needed to get my BP back to normal so I was ok after the birth. This time they have had me on baby aspirin since the beginning of the second trimester to try to keep my BP in line, I’ve had a couple higher readings the past few appointments but nothing like my last pregnancy yet so I’m praying it stays within range and I don’t have to be induced this time.

Answer

I’m not sure about prevention, but during my last pregnancy, I had been taking the baby aspirin daily up until 36 weeks. I thought I didn’t need it anymore assuming I’d go into labor soon (the joke was on me since I passed my due date that time), so I stopped taking it. The moment I went into active labor, my blood pressure spiked and actually got higher after I gave birth so I had to stay an extra day on a magnesium drip. It didn’t really disrupt my life afterwards, but I was on blood pressure meds for two months and had to get my pressure read in the office every two weeks until then. This time around, my doctor wants me to take the baby aspirin until she explicitly tells me to stop. When I spiked during labor, my first symptom was a raging headache that would not go away at all.

Answer

You can.. but you can’t overwhelm or stress yourself over something that hasn’t happened yet lol my best advice. 
And the signs headaches, seeing stars, blurry vision etc are some signs and trust me you will feel different and you will know.

Answer

Well tbh.. you will only you know you have it when you doctor tests your urine.. there isn’t a way to necessarily prevent it. Healthier diet drink more water etc.. our bodies can sort of treat pregnancies like an foreign object. And by doing so it can react by raising the blood pressure and etc. 
example. This is my second pregnancy I had small amounts of preeclampsia it wasn’t severe but I was induced right on my due date. No problems after birth. 
Currently pregnant and due next month with my son- and legit I’ve had beautiful reports on my blood pressure. Until I went to my appt last week and the doc stated if it continues to rise he will induce me. I asked before it increased and she told me exactly what I am telling you.. good luck. Take it easy.

Answer

@GlowGPT please help me with this topic!

I'm concerned about developing postpartum hypertension/pre-eclampsia. Can anyone who has had it offer me some advice?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey