Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can affect you anytime after the 20th week of pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after your baby is born. You can develop postpartum preeclampsia even if you never had high blood pressure during your pregnancy.
Because preeclampsia often develops quietly, you may not notice symptoms right away. But it can progress quickly, which is why recognizing the early signs and getting timely care is essential for both your health and your baby’s.
Whether you’re pregnant or recovering after giving birth, you should watch for symptoms such as:
Your prenatal visits help catch preeclampsia early. At each appointment, your provider checks your blood pressure, reviews any symptoms you’re experiencing, and may test your urine for protein.
If symptoms appear after birth, you may have your blood pressure checked, along with urine tests and bloodwork, to diagnose postpartum preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia can place stress on your organs and the placenta. During pregnancy, it may lead to:
Even after your baby is born, postpartum preeclampsia can develop or worsen. If untreated, it can lead to seizures, stroke, or lasting organ damage. That’s why paying attention to new symptoms after delivery is just as important as during pregnancy.
If you’re diagnosed with preeclampsia, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
If you develop postpartum preeclampsia, you may need medication to lower your blood pressure, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, and close follow‑up to ensure your levels return to normal.
Without treatment, preeclampsia can become life‑threatening. Untreated preeclampsia may cause:
Untreated postpartum preeclampsia can escalate quickly, leading to seizures or stroke even days or weeks after birth. Early treatment greatly reduces these risks.
You may be at higher risk if you:
You can help lower your risk by:
The exact cause is unknown, but experts believe it begins in the placenta when its blood supply doesn’t develop normally. Genetics may also play a role.
Management may include rest, medication, frequent monitoring, lab work, and ultrasounds.
If not managed, it can cause oxygen restriction, organ damage, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and placental abruption.
It depends on severity and your baby’s health. Delivery at 37 weeks is common for mild cases; earlier delivery may be needed for severe cases.
Most improve within six weeks, but postpartum preeclampsia can still occur and requires monitoring.
You’ll continue seeing your OB‑GYN, and you’ll also meet with a Maternal‑Fetal Medicine Specialist who provides extra monitoring and expertise when your pregnancy needs additional support.
If you're diagnosed with preeclampsia, seeing an specialist gives you an extra level of expert care. These doctors focus specifically on high‑risk pregnancies, so they understand how preeclampsia affects both you and your baby, and what needs to happen to keep you safe.
You may be referred to a maternal–fetal medicine specialist if you:
When you meet with an Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, you receive more:
Your MFM stays closely connected with your OB‑GYN and helps guide decisions about testing, treatment, and the safest timing for delivery. You’ll continue seeing your OB‑GYN, with the MFM adding extra monitoring and expertise when your pregnancy needs additional support.
Because preeclampsia can change quickly, having an MFM specialist on your team ensures someone is watching for even the smallest shifts in your condition.
They help you stay pregnant safely for as long as possible, lower the risk of severe complications, and prepare you for delivery, whether you're still pregnant or recovering after birth. They also understand postpartum preeclampsia and can help protect your health after your baby arrives.
At CHRISTUS Health, you receive care from a team dedicated to guiding you through high‑risk pregnancies and postpartum conditions. We offer:
