Postpartum

Postpartum is still an important time to stay on top of your own health. Many heart-related problems can happen in the days and weeks after delivery — even up to a year later.

Some symptoms, such as fatigue and mild pain, are expected after childbirth. But strange or sudden changes may be a sign of stroke, heart problems or other dangerous conditions.

• Make your health a priority. Manage any medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, and be aware of changes in your health.
• Get continued medical care. Take time for all medical appointments even after pregnancy. Postpartum care is important and a follow-up visit is suggested within 10 to 14 days of delivery for women with high blood pressure or heart disease. This can be with your primary care professional or cardiologist. (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that care should be ongoing, rather than a single visit.)
• Inform new health care providers about the pregnancy. Discuss any problems with your pregnancy or delivery with them. They will use this health history to help treat any issues that may arise.
• Monitor mental health. Changes that happen to your body after pregnancy can affect your mental and social well-being. Seek urgent help if you feel depressed or are at risk of harming yourself or your baby.
• Find ways to be active. Your health care team will let you know when it’s safe to exercise. Most women begin with walking, stretching and other forms of light exercise. Monitoring progress and adapting to a changing body are essential.
• Find time to sleep. Sleep problems are common after childbirth and can increase your risk of depression.
• Eat nutritious foods. If you're breastfeeding, making the right dietary choices is even more important.
• Rely on a support network. Ask for help and reduce the items on your to-do list.

For more information on Staying Healthy After Pregnancy

It’s important for you to stay on top of your health in the days and weeks after delivery — even up to a year later.

Some symptoms, such as fatigue and mild pain, are expected after childbirth. But strange or sudden changes may be a sign of stroke, heart problems or other dangerous conditions. Seek medical care right away if you have any worrisome symptoms during or after pregnancy, including:

• Sudden or severe headache
• Fainting, dizziness, or sudden weakness
• High blood pressure
• Chest pains or a racing heart
• Shortness of breath when resting or lying down

Talk to your care team about your risk, ask questions and learn the signs and symptoms of heart issues postpartum.

Learn more important reminders throughout pregnancy and postpartum (PDF)

If you have symptoms of a cardiovascular condition after pregnancy or any other health concerns, talk to your health care professional right away. Here are the three details to include when you call or arrive for care:

1. Why You’re Calling: Your Concerns
   Tell them how long ago you gave birth. Explain why you are calling, including any symptoms or concerns.

   Example: "I gave birth three weeks ago and started feeling short of breath this morning, even while resting."

2. Your Health History: Any diagnosis, issues or complications during your pregnancy or delivery

   If you had any health issues before or during pregnancy, be sure to share that information. Share if you:

   • Have had previous heart or blood pressure problems
   • Were diagnosed with a condition during pregnancy
   • Have any family history of heart disease or pregnancy complications

   
   Example: "I gave birth three weeks ago and started feeling short of breath this morning, even while resting. During pregnancy, I was hospitalized at 36 weeks due to preeclampsia and had a c-section at week 37."

3. How Your Symptoms Have Changed

   Tell your care team:

   • When did the symptoms start
   • How you feel
   • What changed, how much or how often
   • “How bad” it is regarding your new or worsening symptoms
   • (and don’t forget) You are within one year after giving birth
   
   

   Providing this information can help your care team evaluate the urgency and next steps.

   Example: "I gave birth three weeks ago and started feeling short of breath this morning, even while resting.
   During pregnancy, I was hospitalized at 36 weeks due to preeclampsia and had a c-section at week 37.
   Even just getting up to go to the bathroom, I feel like I’ve run a marathon and can’t catch my breath for about 5 minutes afterwards.”

If you have any additional concerns or questions, be sure to share those with your care team, as well.

High Blood Pressure (Chronic Hypertension, Gestational Hypertension) Blood pressure is one of the key health factors that determine your risk for heart disease and stroke in both pregnancy and postpartum.

During pregnancy, blood pressure ranges are different. A healthy blood pressure when you’re pregnant is less than 140/90 mm Hg.

After pregnancy, your blood pressure can change. Ask your health care team what your healthy numbers should be and how often to check at home. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, plan a blood pressure check in the first week after you go home (within 3–10 days). Keep a log of your readings and share them with your care team.

Why a Healthy Blood Pressure is Important During Pregnancy and Postpartum infographic (PDF)

Preeclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy or postpartum. In pregnancy, new high blood pressure, usually after the 20th week, as well as protein in the urine, signals to a health care professional that preeclampsia might be present.

Symptoms may include:

• Headaches with unknown cause that don’t go away with medication
• Vision changes
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid swelling (edema), especially of the feet

In some cases, preeclampsia can become severe and lead to serious problems. Severe symptoms may include:

• Very high blood pressure (160/110 or higher)
• Severe headaches
• Organ dysfunction
• Fluid in the lungs

What is Preeclampsia infographic (PDF)

Postpartum Preeclampsia is a rare but serious condition related to high blood pressure after you give birth. It’s most common within 48 hours of delivery but can occur up to six weeks after your baby is born even if blood pressure was normal during pregnancy.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the face or hands

Postpartum Preeclampsia infographic (PDF)

Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome

Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures. Both preeclampsia and eclampsia can occur before, during or after delivery. The highest risk is in the week following birth.

Eclampsia can be dangerous for the mother and baby and needs to be treated right away. Warning signs and symptoms are not always present, but most women have one of the following before developing eclampsia:

• Severe and persistent headaches
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Confused or unusual behavior

HELLP syndrome is a serious condition. It is a severe form of preeclampsia and can occur before, during or after delivery.

HELLP stands for:

• Hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells, which carry oxygen and can lead to reduced oxygen in the body)
• Elevated liver enzymes (a sign of liver damage)
• Low platelet count (which can cause bleeding problems)

HELLP syndrome is rare, but if not treated, can be fatal for both mom and baby

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) PPCM is an uncommon form of heart failure. It typically happens in the last month of pregnancy or months after delivery. If you have these symptoms, seek medical help right away:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fluid retention

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) PPCM is an uncommon form of heart failure and may happen in the last month of pregnancy or months after delivery. If you have these symptoms, seek medical help right away:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fluid retention

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die.

Stroke during pregnancy or shortly after delivery is rare, but it can be life-threatening. The risk is highest during the third trimester and in the first six weeks after delivery.

Know the Warning Signs of Stroke
Stroke is an emergency. If you are pregnant or postpartum and have a severe headache, especially when combined with high blood pressure or any signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.