Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I am so upset. JUst got back from my 2 week post partum check-up and my BP is high. I have to go on meds and monitor my BP 2x daily.
Just wondering - for those of you that had preeclampsia, how long until your BP went back to normal? Please tell me this isnt permanent!

Message edited 8/13/2010 11:19:13 AM.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

i didn't have pre-eclampsia...but after i delivered, my blood pressure SKYROCKETED and i was in the hospital for 12 days.

After i was released - i was on mega doses of steroids to kick what was deemed pnemonia, but not pnemonia and BP meds for the BP.

I was on the BP meds for 3-4 months and then the problem went away.

Once i saw a good heart specialist (cardiologist) - he gave me a medicine better than the one at the hospital...so i was able to be on a less 'severe' medication.

I haven't had a single problem with my BP since!

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

A week after giving birth, it was still elevated but not enough to be put on medication. I had to monitor it every day. It slowly started to go down and it was back to normal at my 6 week visit - and probably sooner, but I don't remember exactly when.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I had preeclampsia was on Magnesium in the hospital and medication in the hospital. My BP got up to 170/110, I was allowed NO visitors and no roommate and had to keep the lights off at all times. It was the worst. I had to go back to the dr 4 days after i was released from the hospital my reg doc and the OB. I was on medication 3 times a day for 3 weeks then 2 times a day for 2 weeks and then once a day for a bout a week week and a half. I had to write down my BP for 4-5 times daily and bring to the doctor. It was not permanent for me and the doctors told me it prob would be.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I just want to cry. I thought once the babies came out this would all be over.
I was on Magnesium in the hospital but released with no meds after only 3 nights. My BP was a little high (for me) but not that bad when I was released.
I feel GREAT so I was shocked when they said my BP was 140/100. (it is normally for me 100/60).
I am not good on medications. I always end up with all side effects so I don't like taking anything. But I guess I have to this time.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

FM LoveyQ, Yesi Had SEVERE toxemia and was on mag when they had to take Henry by emergency C at 32 weeks. I knwo it took a while for her BP to stabilize afterwards but I dont' remember how long.... She's a sweatheart and will answer all your ques from her experience.....

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Posted by julz33

I just want to cry. I thought once the babies came out this would all be over.
I was on Magnesium in the hospital but released with no meds after only 3 nights. My BP was a little high (for me) but not that bad when I was released.
I feel GREAT so I was shocked when they said my BP was 140/100. (it is normally for me 100/60).
I am not good on medications. I always end up with all side effects so I don't like taking anything. But I guess I have to this time.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I didnt have preclampsia

But my BP went CRAZY after AJ was born. I literally had BP that would kill most grown men. To me it was all numbers and they didnt want to scare me. I went on a 24monitor for a day and that scared them. The numbers were crazy high and also low. I was so tired. They did a sonogram of my heart, xrays, MRI, CAT, blood tests. It was bad.

I was on meds for about a year. I'm fine now, but those first few months were the worst. The drug dosage was increased for awhile before it was decreased. Now I'm off all drugs.

During that time, I could not BF and could not be on Birth Control (of any type) other than condoms.

But I got through. Just became part of my routine.

Hope you feel better soon!

ETA: Just read more of the thread. I was on Mag my whole time at the hospital but I wasn't kept there. I went to the ER a week later due to chest pains. And if it makes you feel better your BP isnt nearly as high as my mine was. I was literally in 300/200s range while also having 70/40 on the same day. I was THRILLED to get that second number under 150. That took me months. I think you'll be fine. I agree with the idea of seeing a cardio, but mine couldnt help me at all really.

Message edited 8/13/2010 11:14:34 AM.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Thank you all. I am going to pick up the meds now and I go back for a check-up in 1 week. If there is no improvement I will go to my cardiologist.

And thanks for reminding me to ask about nursing. That completely slipped my mind.

But I honestly feel great. I feel back to normal. My swelling is gone, my headaches are gone, the spots I was seeing are gone. I lost 60 lbs in 2 weeks. I guess I am more shocked than anything.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Mine was high forever...but I actually went to full blown eclampsia and had a seizure...so my situation was a bit extreme. 2 1/2 years later I have chosen to stay on a low dose BP medication bc I am preggo with #2 and I am a little scared abot BP issues again

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

They didn't put you on meds at the hospital? I had pre-eclampsia with both girls - 1st time it started when I went into labor on my own, and the second time I had to deliver at 37 weeks b.c it started again. Both times I wasn't released from the hospital (I had a section but I was kept for 4-5 days) until they gave me medication and I was told to monitor my BP 2 times every day. They told me they wouldn't send me home without meds b.c if you BP goes higher you can stroke.

I don't know how high yours is - but mine was about 140/90 or a bit higher.

With DD#1 I was on the meds for 2 weeks. The second time I was one meds for about 3 weeks. Both times my BP has gone back to about 120/60 and stayed that way.

Definitely make sure that you keep on top of it - or they might have to readmit you and medicate you. I got an electric BP machine for about $70 at CVS the 1st time - and used it the second time so I can monitor it myself.

Etd to add I was on Magnesium at the hospital before delivery and then for 24 hours following delivery as well. BTW it was interesting the interns didn't think I needed meds but the actual OB's all insisted I needed the meds.

Good luck - From what I was told - it can take anywhere from 1 week to 6-7 months to return to normal - it depends on the individual.

Message edited 8/13/2010 2:41:18 PM.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Posted by Blissful

FM LoveyQ, Yesi Had SEVERE toxemia and was on mag when they had to take Henry by emergency C at 32 weeks. I knwo it took a while for her BP to stabilize afterwards but I dont' remember how long.... She's a sweatheart and will answer all your ques from her experience.....

Message edited 8/13/2010 3:10:01 PM.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I developed HBP week 36 of my pregnancy. They called it pregnancy-induced hypertension not pre-eclampsia bc i had no protein in my urine or anything else. I was induced at 36w6days bc my BP went up to 158/100. I was on magnesium etc and had a horrendous experience/delivery. I was released on meds after 5 days but 2 days after that was re-admitted (without DS ) bc my BP was 160/110. I had protein in my urine this time and my liver enzymes were crazy, i was diagnosed with HELLP. I stayed 2 more days on magnesium.

I'm 10 PP. Until 1 week ago i was on 2 meds (3 pills per day). I get so anxious when they check my BP that it's always through the roof. But, after beggin my doctor he agreed to start decreasing my meds and he said he thinks I'll be ok.

Just take it one day at a time and remember that you need to take your meds as HBP can be very serious. Believe me, I've struggled with having to take the meds and having HBP but i never skip my medication. I haven't lost hope that it will go down.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I developed high BP after I gave birth. It was a little high in the hospital, but when I went to my Dr once released, it was high (140/100). My OB monitored me every other day and then referred me to my GP who referred me to a nephrologist. I was put on meds and took my BP 3x a day. By the time I went back to work, at 18 weeks PP, it was back to normal and I was off the meds. I was also able to BF during this.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I don't have experience with pre-e or anything as severe as you are dealing with, but I just wanted to let you know that i was on high BP meds for almost the whole second half of my pregnancy and I had no side effects at all from the meds.
I know you were worried about that so I just wanted to let you know that you might not get a single side effect. I too, loathe medication, so I was worried about that too.

I wish you the best of luck in gettnig things under control!

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I didn't have preeclampsia but did end up with post-partum hypertension. I was on 2 medications and monitoring. It lasted about 6 weeks for me.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

I had preeclampsia with both pregnancies.

The first time, it stayed high for about 5 weeks and then went down to normal (120/80....i am normally lower and it took longer to get back down)

The second time it took longer....babies are 9 mths and it still is a touch high. I never went on meds. Saw a cardiologist, and basically begged him not to put me on meds.
Every time i got the doc and have my pressure checked they have to take it a few times....it is always high when I first get there! Esp when i have the kids with me

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

With DD I was induced for high BP but developed pre-eclampsia (specifically HELLP syndrome because my liver enzymes were elevated) AFTER i delivered. At its worst my BP was 220/120. I was on the mag, labetalol, hydralizine, propanolol. I was hospitalized twice, however by 2.5 weeks post partum my BP returned to normal.


With DS I did not have pre-e but my BP did go up once again after delivery. My BP was 160/90 but nor protein in my urine and enzymes were normal so no mag. I was on labetalol and metropolol. Again at 2 weeks post partum it went back to normal.

With me, my cardiologist believes it has to do with the increased blood volume not being eliminated from my system. Each time I knew the moment my BP started to go down because TMI everytime I would pee it was like someone opened the flood gates. Once I eliminated the excess fluid by BP returned to normal.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Thanks everyone for responding.
I was on magnesium sulphate in the hospital (IV) for 24 hours and then no other meds.
Now they prescribed labetalol. 100mg 2x per day.
I took my blood pressure at CVS and it was still high 132/98.

The pharmacist said no BFing. I have been pumping & saving it - but not giving it to the babies- since taking my first pill. Does anyone know? The midwives/dr didn't say anything to me about not BFing or pumping anymore and I would hate to call the emergency line.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Per my Ob and the lactation consultants at the hospital it is OK to BF on labetalol.

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension

Re: Preeclampsia moms - post partum hypertension