What To Do If You Experience Preeclampsia After Birth March 14, 2023.
Preeclampsia happens when a woman who previously had normal blood pressure suddenly develops high blood pressure and protein in her urine or other problems after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who have chronic hypertension can also get preeclampsia. It often occurs during pregnancy, which requires giving birth to alleviate the condition. But preeclampsia after birth is also possible and treating it is not as simple.
Although it is rarer for the issue to occur after deliveries, it can be even more dangerous when it happens at this time. After birth preeclampsia is a serious concern because you may not be aware of the symptoms, and the only way to prevent serious complications is to get immediate treatment.
The best protection from this condition is for expectant mothers to receive education about the signs of preeclampsia after birth and what to do if they experience those symptoms. Doctors also need to take more initiative in providing adequate aftercare for women to ensure this potentially deadly condition does not put them at risk.
Common Symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can be a sudden birth injury condition that can impact women who have never had issues with their blood pressure previously. It generally occurs after 20 weeks gestation, but it might also appear after the birth of the baby.
The disorder is rare, which means that women do not always receive the proper care or education to watch for it. Adding to the complexity is that it could take up to six weeks for the condition to manifest. Allowing the situation to continue without treatment could possibly put a mother at risk for seizures and could lead to death.
Knowing the symptoms of after birth preeclampsia is imperative for pregnant women. The signs you want to note include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent headache
- Unexplained weight gain
- Swelling in the hands and face
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision changes, such as blurriness or seeing spots
- Upper stomach pain
If you experience any of these issues, seek immediate medical care.
The Effects of Postpartum Preeclampsia on Both Mom and Baby
When you experience preeclampsia after giving birth, it can bring about a range of effects on you, your baby, and your family. In all cases, the condition requires hospitalization for the administration of medication to bring the blood pressure under control. During this time, you may be unable to see or care for your baby, which can bring about mental anguish for both of you. It can impact the ability to bond and create additional stress for everyone.
You will also have a longer recovery time from childbirth. The toll preeclampsia takes on your body can lead to further medical issues and make it hard for everything to heal on a normal schedule.
There is also a potential for permanent damage to certain organs. The condition may impact the liver, kidneys, and lungs, creating long-term problems that will plague you long after the resolution of the preeclampsia. You will have an increased risk of developing seizures.
Without quick treatment, you could suffer from serious side effects, including:
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Fluid in the lungs
- Destruction of the red blood cells
- Elevated liver enzymes and protein in the urine
- Low platelet count
- Damage to the eyes and brain
The greatest risk of postpartum preeclampsia is that you do not receive treatment quickly enough. When this happens, death is possible, which will devastatingly impact the whole family.
What To Do If You're Experiencing Preeclampsia After Birth
Can you get preeclampsia after birth? Yes, it can happen to any pregnant woman, not just those with a history of preeclampsia. For this reason, it is imperative to be aware of the signs of the condition and to see your doctor immediately if you notice them.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Because blood pressure tends to spike three to six days after delivery, any new symptoms occurring around this time should be cause for concern and prompt a visit to the doctor. The disorder is such a serious situation, you should go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you have any symptoms or concerns. Time is of the essence because the condition will only worsen and lead to more severe health issues if left untreated.
You should pay attention to your health after giving birth. If you had blood pressure issues during pregnancy, you should remain under a doctor's supervision because you will have a higher likelihood of postpartum preeclampsia. However, this is not a prerequisite to the disorder, and your doctor should ensure you are healthy and provide resources to monitor your health.
The condition is treatable and complications are avoidable. The doctor will usually put you in the hospital to administer medication and continue monitoring. The most common treatments are blood thinners, anti-seizure medications, and drugs to lower blood pressure.
Return All Hospital and Medical Records
When you go to the hospital for care, take the records from your birth. This will increase the chances of proper care. These documents should have notes about blood pressure and other helpful information that the medical team can use to assess the situation and provide the right treatment.
Get Help From a Birth Injury Lawyer
Preeclampsia after birth does not have to become a serious condition with terrible side effects. When a doctor is offering proper follow-up care and listens to the concerns of patients, they can catch the disorder early and bring the blood pressure down before it can lead to serious problems.
If a doctor or medical facility fails to provide adequate care, it becomes a medical malpractice issue. You or your family has the right to seek the help of a birth injury attorney to file a compensation claim.
Can You Sue a Healthcare Provider for Failing To Diagnose Preeclampsia?
Adequate after-birth care can help to prevent severe complications from postpartum preeclampsia. Your doctor has the responsibility to continue monitoring you and make sure you do not show signs of any problem. Still, some medical providers fail to do this, which would open the door to a lawsuit.
You certainly have the right to file a claim if you feel the doctor did not provide you with proper care. If you felt ignored or your provider didn't listen to your reports on symptoms, then you definitely have a good basis to sue for medical malpractice.
A doctor owes a patient a certain level of care, and when they fail to provide that, it becomes a legal issue. You have the right to seek compensation in court for the harm you experienced as a result of the lack of professional oversight.
Contact Our Firm Today To Discuss Your Options
Mellino Law has decades of experience helping mothers just like you fight against inadequate medical care for preeclampsia after birth. We have the drive and dedication to focus our efforts on your case and help you get compensation for the terrible struggle you suffered as a result of medical oversight. Contact us today to discuss your case.
