Postpartum hypertension: Know what causes high blood pressure after childbirth

After giving birth, you don’t have to worry about sleepless nights or breastfeeding issues. There are also postpartum issues that affect you mentally. From infectious diseases to depression, new moms can experience anything. It is also important to be aware of your blood pressure, as it can end up with postpartum hypertension. It refers to high blood pressure that new mothers can face immediately after pregnancy. It should not be underestimated as it can lead to problems including heart failure.

What is postpartum hypertension?

“It refers to hypertension (over 140/90 mm of mercury or MMHG) that occurs after birth,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi. Postpartum hypertension affects approximately 2% of pregnancy, which occurs within the first 48 hours to six weeks after delivery, according to a study published in the current Obstetrics and Gynecology Report in 2022.

“This condition requires careful surveillance and treatment as untreated postpartum hypertension can lead to many complications,” the expert says. A study published in the 2009 Journal of Clinical Hypertension shows that heart and renal failure are some of the complications of this condition.

What are the symptoms of postpartum hypertension?

It may not always show any signs, but once it is done, it can include:

• Severe headaches that may not be relieved by painkillers
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Chest pain
• shortness of breath
• Dizziness and confusion
• Swelling of hands, feet or face
• nausea
• Rapid heartbeat (moving pit)
• Reduced urination

“If you experience severe headaches, vision problems, chest pain, or shortness of breath, check with your doctor. These can indicate serious complications such as postnatal pre-EC syndrome or stroke,” experts say.

What causes postpartum hypertension?

The key causes of postpartum hypertension include:

1. Existing hypertension

High blood pressure and hypertension are not something that pregnant or new mothers experience. “Even before pregnancy, women with chronic hypertension may continue to experience this even after giving birth to a child. This can lead to postpartum hypertension,” says Dr. Vishnoy.

2. Pregnancy-related hypertension

Women can have pregnancy hypertension disorders, including pregnancy hypertension. They are associated with a higher risk of postpartum hypertension, according to a study published in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health in 2024.

3. Hormonal changes

If you think that only women who are menstruating expect their mother to experience hormonal changes, think again. “Your body undergoes major hormonal fluctuations just as estrogen and progesterone can drop rapidly after giving birth. Changes can affect blood pressure regulation,” experts say.

4. stress

New mothers often experience stress, lack of sleep, and can increase their blood pressure. Therefore, make sure you do anything that will help reduce stress. It’s as easy as calming the music or meditating or pen down your thoughts in your journal.

5. Lifestyle factors

“High sodium intake, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can contribute to postpartum hypertension,” the expert says. This doesn’t mean you’ll start working out right away. Check with your doctor before considering losing excess weight you took during pregnancy. Also, reduce food with plenty of salt and stay away from alcohol and cigarettes.

How to treat postpartum hypertension?

Treatment of postpartum hypertension depends on blood pressure level, severity, and the presence of complications.

1. Postpartum hypertension medication

“Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications like labetalol, which can help reduce blood pressure by relieving blood vessels,” experts say. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that helps lower blood pressure. Do not stop taking these medications suddenly without specifically consulting your doctor.

2. Changes in lifestyle

In addition to medication, healthy habits can help you control blood pressure.

• Follow a healthy heart diet: Eats a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and lean protein. “To balance sodium levels, we consume foods rich in potassium (bananas and spinach),” experts say.
• Maintain hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain circulation and ensure that your kidneys function well.
• Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake: “Don’t drink a few cups of coffee or tea, as caffeine can raise your blood pressure,” suggests experts. Also, avoid alcohol as it may interfere with blood pressure medication and breastfeeding.
• Engage in physical activity: Short walks and postpartum yoga can help reduce stress while improving blood circulation. Avoid intense training until your doctor gives you a green light.

3. Regular blood pressure monitoring

It’s good to go to a doctor, but you can also check your blood pressure daily at home, especially within the first six weeks of having a baby. “This can be dangerously high and you may need to be hospitalized, so if your blood pressure reaches 160/110 mmHg, get help immediately,” the expert says.

Postpartum hypertension can affect women immediately after giving birth. It should be treated on time, otherwise it could affect the heart. When it comes to managing hypertension after pregnancy, simple lifestyle changes after delivery make a big difference.