How can preeclampsia affect my future health? | Progyny

Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team - April 2026.

If you have preeclampsia, you and your healthcare team will be focused on your safety throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Another important area to think about is your future health.

Let's start with this: you can take small steps to help stay healthy. And you always have support by your side. In fact, by reading this article you're on your way. It's a great idea to talk about your possible health risks with your team and ask how they can help you.

Risks from preeclampsia

Preeclampsia usually goes away after delivery, and most people fully recover.

Even so, preeclampsia does raise your risk for some health conditions in the future. You may be more likely to have:

• Preeclampsia in a future pregnancy
• Chronic hypertension (ongoing high blood pressure outside of pregnancy)
• Heart disease or stroke
• Kidney disease

Be sure to talk with your provider. Everyone is different, and your risk may depend on things such as:

• How severe your preeclampsia was
• How early your preeclampsia developed
• Other health risk factors you may have

In this video, Dr. Thomas Kishkovich, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, talks about ways to help manage future risks from preeclampsia.

What can I do to protect myself?

You and your provider can talk about what's recommended for you. You'll think about your health history, lifestyle, and plans.

Managing your blood pressure

Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can help lower your risk of developing preeclampsia in a future pregnancy. It also helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your provider will let you know what your blood pressure goal is.

Here are some ideas that may help reduce blood pressure:

• Eat balanced meals rich in fiber, potassium, protein, fruits, and vegetables - and low in salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Limit alcohol as well.
• Get 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.
• Manage stress in ways you enjoy. Ideas include deep breathing, time outside, a gratitude journal, and connecting with others.
• Prioritize sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

If it applies to you, chestfeed your baby if you can. Studies show this may lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If you take medicine for high blood pressure, your provider will choose one that is safe for your baby.

Future pregnancy

If you become pregnant again, your provider will work with you to manage your preeclampsia risk. For example, they may recommend:

• Taking low-dose aspirin
• Frequent checkups
• Urine and blood tests
• Checking your blood pressure at home

For extra care and planning, you may also work with a maternal fetal medicine specialist (an expert in higher-risk pregnancies).

Checkups and screenings

Your team will let you know which checkups and screenings you may need over time. These may include:

• Blood tests for glucose (sugar) and cholesterol levels
• Blood tests and urine checks for kidney health
• Regular blood pressure measurements

Always be sure to tell any future providers you had preeclampsia.

Birth control

If you have high blood pressure outside of pregnancy, your provider may recommend that you do not use birth control with estrogen. This includes certain birth control pills and the patch.

Emotional support

You might find it helpful to lean on others as you manage emotions, cope with stress, and make small changes to stay healthy. You may wish to try these ideas:

• Take regular walks with a friend or coworker.
• Ask your family to join you in preparing healthy meals.
• Talk to a family member or friend about how you're feeling. Sometimes we need a listening ear.
• Explore mental health benefits and coverage you may have from your employer.
• Connect with your Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) for support and resources.
• Ask your provider about finding a licensed therapist to help you manage the range of emotions you may feel.

Looking ahead: You've got this

Your healthcare team will work with you step by step on your journey. You can also reach out to your PCA for information, lifestyle tips, and emotional support.

Explore related topics in this series:

• High blood pressure in pregnancy: Get informed to stay safe
• Recovery after preeclampsia

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.