Pregnancy & Postpartum Preeclampsia

Postpartum Preeclampsia: My Journey and Why You Need to Trust Your Gut
When we think of childbirth complications, we usually picture things happening during labor. But what many women—and even some medical professionals—don’t talk about enough is what can happen after delivery. I have had four normal, healthy pregnancies with no complications. What happens after delivery though, is a whole other story.

Postpartum Preeclampsia is a serious and often overlooked condition. It’s characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, and it can show up after you’ve already left the hospital. While it’s considered rare, affecting anywhere from 0.3% to 27.5% of pregnancies depending on risk factors, it’s very real—and very dangerous.

This was my fourth pregnancy and fourth time going through this awful experience. For me, it started around day 3 after giving birth. I was home, trying to rest and settle in with my new baby when I noticed my feet and ankles were swelling more than usual. I had a persistent headache that just wouldn’t go away. Something felt off. Knowing my past, I knew what was happening. 

I checked my blood pressure, and it was climbing. I was already on a medication they had sent me home with, but it clearly wasn’t enough. My BP was going up, but my heart rate was going down. This made me nervous to take an extra dose of my medication, which I was told to do if needed. I knew my body. I knew something wasn’t right. So I called my doctor after hours—and I’m so glad I did.

They prescribed a second medication to help control my blood pressure, and this one would not affect my heart rate. Within the next few days, my numbers started to improve, and by the end of that first week, my readings were finally back to normal. Still, I’ll likely remain on medication for a few more months to make sure everything is truly stabilized before weaning off of them. 

Postpartum Preeclampsia has taught me two very important things:
1. PP Preeclampsia can happen to anyone—even after an otherwise smooth delivery.
2. You must trust your gut.

If you feel something isn’t right, speak up. Swelling, headaches, vision changes, shortness of breath, or chest pain—none of these should be brushed off in the days and weeks after giving birth. Don’t worry about seeming dramatic. You’re not. You’re protecting your life so you can be there for your baby.
To any new moms reading this: Please don’t ignore the signs. Know your body. Know the symptoms. And don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself, even if it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

You are worth it. Your life matters just as much now as it did during delivery.
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What to Watch For: Signs of Postpartum Preeclampsia
Postpartum preeclampsia can develop anytime within 48 hours to 6 weeks after delivery, even if your pregnancy and birth were free of complications. Here are symptoms you should never ignore:
• Swelling in your face, hands, or feet (especially if it gets worse quickly)
• Persistent headaches
• Blurred vision, spots, or sensitivity to light
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden weight gain
• High blood pressure (anything over 140/90—keep a monitor at home if you’re at risk)
• Decreased urination or dark urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away or go to the ER. Don’t wait.
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Helpful Resources:
• Preeclampsia Foundation – Info, support, and survivor stories
• CDC: Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During and After Pregnancy
• March of Dimes – Postpartum Health
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Final Thought
​If you’re reading this and recovering from birth—whether you had preeclampsia or not—remember this: You are your best advocate. Speak up, ask questions, and never feel bad for insisting on care. You’re not just doing it for your baby—you’re doing it for you, too.