Preeclampsia
NURTURE INFORMATION HUB
Evidence
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia-a-to-z
Howard E. LeWine, MD
The outlook for full recovery from preeclampsia is very good. Most women begin to improve within one to two days after delivery, and blood pressure returns to their normal pre-pregnancy range within the next one to six weeks in almost all cases. However, for some women, there is still a risk of complications during this time.
About one of every five women with preeclampsia during a first pregnancy will have preeclampsia during a second pregnancy. Those with early or severe preeclampsia, or who have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, are at greatest risk for recurrence.
Education
Women with pre-eclampsia usually get better quickly after the birth of their baby; however, complications may still occur within the first few days.
You will usually stay in hospital for several days and may need to continue taking medication to lower your blood pressure. You will be advised about follow up appointments with your doctor depending on your condition. It is important to attend your 6-week postnatal check up to make sure that your blood pressure has returned to normal and there is no longer any protein in your urine.
In some cases, pre-eclampsia can develop after childbirth and you should alert your doctor or midwife of any concerns you may have after your baby is born such as persistent headaches or generally feeling unwell, particularly in the first week after childbirth.
Empowerment
Most mothers who have experienced pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy will go on to have a normal pregnancy next time. However, there is still a small chance that your condition will reoccur which is why it is important to be closely monitored in subsequent pregnancies. Your doctor may suggest you take a small dose of aspirin to help prevent or delay symptoms of pre-eclampsia if you are deemed at risk. Generally, if pre-eclampsia does reoccur in subsequent pregnancies, it is less severe and appears at a later gestation.
There is growing evidence that having had pre-eclampsia in pregnancy increases the risk of developing problems with blood pressure and cardiovascular disease later in life. It is recommended that you see your general practitioner yearly for blood pressure checks after a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. You should also aim to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to reduce your chance of developing high blood pressure later in life.
Feeling fully informed and knowing what to expect may make you feel prepared. Connecting with others who experienced what you are going through can be of great comfort and sharing stories may be of support.
Useful Links
The Australian Action on Pre-eclampsia Inc
Pre-eclampsia Foundation
COPE – Centre for Perinatal Excellence
https://www.cope.org.au/getting-help/e-cope-directory/
Panda - Perinatal Mental Health
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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