Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — April 2026.
If you’re at risk or have preeclampsia, you may wonder what recovery may look like. Recovery after preeclampsia is different for everyone. And it involves tending to your emotional well-being as well as your physical health.
Please feel reassured that your healthcare team is always a phone call away. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here for support.
Self-care at home
When you leave the hospital, your team will give you instructions about steps to take, signs to look for, and when to call. If anything isn’t clear, it’s always OK to reach out to your hospital care team or the provider who cared for you during your pregnancy.
Your recovery plan will depend on many things. This includes how severe the preeclampsia was and any complications you may have had.
Many people may take these steps once they’re back home:
- Check your blood pressure. Your team will show you how to do this, how often, and go over what to look for.
- Keep your follow-up visits. These are a chance to ask questions and see how you’re doing. More on this below.
- Take medicine as prescribed. If you’re chestfeeding or pumping, your healthcare provider will choose a medicine that is safe for your baby.
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
It’s always OK to call if anything just feels “off.”
Emotional recovery
Preeclampsia is stressful and can even be traumatic for some people. Whatever you feel is valid – and help is available.
Many people find it helpful to talk about their feelings with family, friends, or others who have been through a similar experience. Managing your recovery with a newborn can be extra challenging, so lean on others for day-to-day support.
It’s common to talk with a therapist as you process your preeclampsia experience. Your doctor or Progyny Care Advocate can help you find a licensed therapist who is a good fit for you. You may also have access to mental health support and resources from your employer.
To talk with a trained counselor, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Text or call: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) in English and Spanish.
What can I expect with my blood pressure?
For many people, blood pressure will go up in the days after birth. Your team will monitor you since you will likely be in the hospital during this time. Then, it typically goes down over a period of about 3 weeks and levels off, although this varies.
After delivery, all birthing people are still at risk for developing preeclampsia for up to 6 weeks after birth. It’s more likely in the first week. If you have any signs of preeclampsia when you’re back home, let your provider know right away. You may need treatment in the hospital.
Some people may be prescribed medicine to keep blood pressure in a safe range. These medicines are often decreased and stopped by the 6-week visit.
After recovering from preeclampsia, many people do not have blood pressure issues. But preeclampsia does put you at risk for long-term high blood pressure (chronic hypertension). This is part of the reason it’s important to follow up with:
- Your care team after delivery
- Your primary care provider after the postpartum period
Follow-up care
People with preeclampsia or other complications need extra follow-up visits.
You may have multiple visits in the first days and weeks after birth. And you’ll continue to see your primary care provider at least every year to support your ongoing health. You and your team may:
- Check your blood pressure
- Do bloodwork, urine checks, or other tests as needed
- Discuss your baby’s feeding plan
- Adjust medicines that are safe for you and your baby
- Talk about how you’re doing emotionally
- Explore lifestyle changes to support your health
- Transition to your OB/GYN or primary care provider if you were seeing a specialist
Your Progyny Care Advocate can talk with you before or after your visits. We’ll help you prepare and understand the information your provider shared.
What about the baby’s recovery?
Recovery for a baby will depend on many things, like when the baby was delivered.
Many babies are healthy and recover well. If your baby is born early or needs special care, your team will be with you every step of the way. Support is also available from professional counselors and support groups.
Your takeaway
Recovery from preeclampsia can vary widely, but you will not be alone. Talk with your healthcare team about anything that’s on your mind and reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate for support and resources.
Explore related topics in this series:
- Postpartum preeclampsia: Know the risks after birth
- How can preeclampsia affect my future health?
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.