In the United States, about 700 women die from complications of pregnancy each year. The risk for African-American women is 1.5% higher than non-hispanic white women. That’s why EM revisited this issue because we feel it is important to keep it in the forefront of the many health issues women face.
Just when you thought you knew it all about pregnancy, here is a little known health fact that every woman should know about in order to insure that she takes care of her health after she brings her baby home.
Most women have heard of Preeclampsia, but how many are aware of Postpartum Preeclampsia? Although not a new condition, Postpartum Preeclampsia is not one often discussed with women in detail. Why? Because it is very rare and usually occurs in Third World countries.
What to look for
Some Symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia include:
- Swelling
- Changes in Vision
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Severe Headache
- Protein in Urine
Postpartum preeclampsia typically occurs within 48 hours of giving birth, but can develop up to 6 weeks postpartum. Preeclampsia may be treated with blood pressure medication and medication to prevent seizures.
Pay Attention!
Unless new mothers pay close attention to their bodies after childbirth, this condition may not be detected until the mother shows up at a hospital with seizures, a severe headache or any of the above symptoms. Many women attribute being tired or having a headache as their bodies trying to get back to normal. At the first sign of any of these symptoms it is critical to seek medical attention. Complications may include Brain Damage or Death.
Some ways to prevent Post Preeclampsia include:
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Relaxation
- Diet
Knowledge is power! No one knows your body like you.
Information for this article was compiled from data on WebMd. And the Mayo Clinic. This article is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnoses. Please seek medical advice from your physician. Visit www.preeclampsia.org for more information on this topic
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