Gain clarity on postpartum hypertension. Discover whether it's a temporary condition with expert guidance from Meri Sehat.

Does Postpartum Hypertension Go Away?

Postpartum hypertension is not common. 1 in 10 women develop it within a year of giving birth, even if they did not have high blood pressure before.

Introduction

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey, but sometimes unexpected challenges can pop up, like postpartum hypertension.

In simple words, postpartum hypertension is high <a href="merisehat.pk/disease/blood-pressure">blood pressure</a> that shows up after you give birth. 
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Understanding postpartum hypertension

However, it doesn&#39;t stick around forever. It&#39;s like the body&#39;s way of saying, &quot;Hang on, I need a little more time to get back to normal.&quot;

The duration and severity of postpartum hypertension varies from woman to woman. Factors such as pre-existing health conditions and the presence of risk factors may influence the resolution of postpartum hypertension.

A recent study found that the condition was more commonly present in mothers who smoked, had delivered via C-section, were aged 35 and above, and were Black Americans.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
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Other risk factors include:<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Obesity</li>
	<li>Family or individual history of preeclampsia</li>
	<li>High blood pressure during pregnancy</li>
	<li>Multiple births</li>
	<li>Diabetes</li>
	<li>Autoimmune conditions 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

High blood pressure usually peaks within 48 hours after delivery, which is when most women leave the hospital.

Call your doctor immediately if you have a reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher or postpartum hypertension symptoms, such as changes in vision, shortness of breath, persisting and severe headache, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and decreased urination.

Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary edema, seizures, strokes, blood clots, and even death. 
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For a new mom, postpartum hypertension can be scary. Will it go away on its own? Will I need medications?

Postpartum hypertension treatment often revolves around a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, staying active, and catching those precious zzz&#39;s all contribute to your body&#39;s speedy recovery.

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider ensure that any lingering high blood pressure is noticed and managed. Sometimes, they may prescribe blood pressure medicine, antiseizure medicine, and anticoagulant medications to treat it.

It could take several days to a few weeks for the blood pressure to return to a safe or manageable level. Remember, you&rsquo;ll also be recovering from childbirth itself during this time, too. So, you may experience physical and emotional changes, such as fatigue, tender breasts, cramping or vaginal discharge, and mood swings. 
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Conclusion

Your body has this remarkable ability to self-regulate and heal, ensuring that postpartum hypertension often resolves on its own. However, regular monitoring and doctor check-ups during this period can further help with a smooth transition back to pre-pregnancy blood pressure levels. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Postpartum hypertension, or high blood pressure after giving birth, is a rare condition that affects some women during the weeks or months following delivery.</li>
	<li>Postpartum is a healing period for the body, and as it recovers from the stress of childbirth, blood pressure levels often return to normal.</li>
	<li>However, it&#39;s important to monitor postpartum hypertension through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to ensure that it does not persist or lead to complications.</li>
	<li>Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest, helps blood pressure levels return to normal.</li>
	<li>In some cases, medical intervention, such as medication, may be required to manage postpartum hypertension.</li>
</ul>

[1] Sullivan K, Rauf D, Welch A, et al. New moms at risk of developing high blood pressure 6 weeks after childbirth, study finds. EverydayHealth.com. Accessed January 26, 2024.

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