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Your blood pressure can take up to 6 weeks return to normal after you give birth. If you have had blood pressure problems during the pregnancy, it is important to get blood pressure under control postpartum because in the long term, high blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Your clinician will check your blood pressure at every follow up visit. You may also be asked to obtain a blood pressure cuff and record your blood pressure at home. This information helps clinicians determine whether you need medications to get your blood pressure to a safe level.
Steps to lowering your blood pressure at home
You can help lower your blood pressure by following these guidelines:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose whole foods that don’t have added salt.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Take blood pressure medications exactly as directed.
Preeclampsia after pregnancy
Some people develop a condition called preeclampsia while pregnant. In rare cases, this condition develops in the first weeks after delivery. Preeclampsia is a condition affecting blood vessels that leads to high blood pressure and protein in your urine. It’s a serious condition that can cause liver or kidney damage or problems with bleeding and blood clots. Left unchecked, preeclampsia can lead to seizures (called eclampsia) and stroke, both of which can be deadly.
Whether or not you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia prior to delivery, call your clinician immediately if you notice:
- Facial swelling.
- Headaches that won’t go away with medication.
- Pain in the upper right part of your stomach.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Severe swelling in your legs or hands.
- Vision problems.
Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience:
- Blood pressure of 160/110 or higher.
- Chest pain.
- New nausea or vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Trouble breathing.