For a long time, there was a notion that pre-eclampsia could only affect pregnant women and that the “cure” for this condition was to deliver the baby. Recent studies suggest that the condition might prevail and even worsen after delivery. This may affect women who had healthy pregnancies and did not experience complications during delivery.
What is post-partum preeclampsia and its symptoms?
Post-partum preeclampsia is a rare condition that affects women after giving birth. It occurs when you have high blood pressure and excess protein in your urine after childbirth. While most cases develop within 48 hours of childbirth, they may also develop up to six weeks or even later.
Detecting this condition may be challenging, especially for those that don’t exhibit signs or symptoms during pregnancy. It may also be typical for new mothers not to suspect anything is amiss immediately after childbirth as they are busy with recovery and caring for a newborn.
Signs to watch out for, include the following:
- Headaches and abdominal pain that may be worse than usual
- Changes in reflexes and vision
- Diminished urine volume or changes in frequency of urination
- Water retention and swelling
- Hypertension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Belly pain on the upper-right side
- Shortness of breath
Why it is dangerous?
Without treatment, post-partum preeclampsia can have life-threatening complications, including seizures, strokes, blood clots and excess fluid in the lungs.
The condition is severe and requires immediate treatment. Failing to diagnose it may lead to permanent brain, kidney and liver damage, and even, death. If you feel any symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately to prevent them from progressing and causing further damage.
What you can do
If you believe that you suffer from neglect or medical malpractice, it is essential to know that you have rights. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.