Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — April 2026.
Preeclampsia is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Did you know that there is still a risk after childbirth?
Let’s go over what to know about postpartum preeclampsia. Please be sure to talk about your risk and how to stay safe with your healthcare team.
What is postpartum preeclampsia?
Postpartum preeclampsia is high blood pressure that starts after childbirth. It may come on suddenly. It usually begins in the first 2 days after birth, but it may happen any time in the first 6 weeks after birth.
Most people with postpartum preeclampsia recover without any issues. But without proper treatment, it may cause serious problems. This can include organ damage (including the kidneys, liver, lungs, or brain) and seizures. In severe cases, it may be life-threatening.
Am I at risk?
Postpartum preeclampsia can happen to anyone, although some people have a higher risk. Risk factors are similar to preeclampsia during pregnancy and include:
Personal risk factors
- Age 35 or older
- Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more before pregnancy
- Mother or sister had preeclampsia
- Being Black, Native American, or Alaska Native
- Having a lower income
Pregnancy-related risk factors
- Had preeclampsia in a pregnancy before
- This is your first pregnancy
- Carrying multiples (twins or more)
- Used in vitro fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant
Health-related risk factors
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Diabetes or gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune disease such as lupus
Know the warning signs.
You may not feel any symptoms with postpartum preeclampsia. Often, you can’t feel high blood pressure.
This is why your appointments after pregnancy are key. It’s a chance for your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure and urine to make sure you are doing well.
Sometimes, postpartum preeclampsia does have warning signs. If you have any of these, get medical help right away. It’s always OK to call if anything just feels “off.”
Call your provider or 911 if you have:
- A bad headache that doesn’t go away
- Changes in vision (seeing spots or flashes of light, blurry vision, temporary loss of vision)
- Pain in your upper belly
- Nausea (throwing up or feeling sick to your stomach)
- Sudden swelling, especially in your face or hands
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
Diagnosing preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is diagnosed if blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. It’s high if either the top (systolic blood pressure) or the bottom (diastolic blood pressure) number is high.
Your provider may also check for protein in the urine, a sign that the kidneys have been affected by high blood pressure. Blood work may show other signs of preeclampsia.
Managing postpartum preeclampsia
High blood pressure from postpartum preeclampsia may be lowered with medicine (that is safe for chestfeeding or pumping).
Sometimes, more serious preeclampsia may need to be managed in the hospital and require additional medication. For example, magnesium, an intravenous (IV) medication, may be given to help prevent seizures. Your team will carefully monitor you.
What can I do?
Be sure to go to all your postpartum appointments. By working closely with your healthcare team, you’re taking big steps to keep yourself healthy.
Your doctor may recommend that you:
- Take any medicine as prescribed to help manage blood pressure or other conditions.
- Check your blood pressure at home. Your team will show you how to do this and go over what to look for.
- Eat balanced meals rich in fiber, potassium, protein, fruits, and vegetables — and low in salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
- Stay physically active. It has many benefits for your health, including lower risk of preeclampsia.
- Chestfeed your baby if you can. Studies show this may lower your risk of heart disease.
Your takeaway
You can take steps to help lower your risk and know the warning signs, and your healthcare team is here to support you. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also available to answer questions and help you get ready for your upcoming visits.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.