Postpartum preecclampsia worries

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Had my second child 6 days ago (c section) and now been admitted to hospital with high blood pressure that's not coming down enough with meds and suspected protein in urine. Given low dose blood pressure tablets from 36 weeks as it was elevated. Stabilised to 120/80 after birth. Ironically feel fine- although a bit tired and anxious.

Asking advice from those who have experienced this before- how long a stay in hospital did you have? Were you given magnesium drip as a matter of course or only in severe cases? Have you had any long term complications? Most importantly - how did you get through it? Any sharing of experiences or words of wisdom would be gratefully received.

My blood pressure went up a fews days after having dd2. I was admitted to hospital for a few days and put on blood pressure medication. I was able to stop them again a few months later.

I had this with my first DC. I was re-admitted to hospital 5 days PP and had to stay in for 6 days. Blood pressure was sky high and they couldn't get it under control, also developed pulmonary odema. Once BP stabilised I was sent home with medication to keep on top of it.

No further complications and had a second DC two years later with zero BP issues. I'm currently pg with DC 3 and so far BP has been absolutely fine.

Try not to worry OP and I hope you are feeling better soon

I had this after emergency c section with dc1 a decade ago. Readmitted on day 6 pp. I had to stay for 4 nights while they were trying to work out what meds I should be on. BP went down about 3 months later so I was able to stop medication and I have had no long term physical complications.

Thank you everyone- looks like it's gestestational hypertension for me rather than preeclampsia but nice to know there is hope for end to this. Am absolutley hoping and praying for a quick positive outcome. Many thanks for sharing your experiences. 😊

Two pregnancies - i had gestational hypertension in first and preeclampsia in the second. Both times my BP topped 160/110 at its worst. Both times, it took a while it get my BP under control post birth and I needed to take BP medication for around 12w after birth. With DD1 it was just labetalol and with DD2 it was a mix of nifedipine and labetalol. I didnt end up readmitted, but with DD1, i had a five day stay on the postnatal ward before they were happy to discharge me.

With DD1, the GP kept a close eye and I had to submit weekly readings, which they would use to slowly reduce the doses. With DD2, I was monitored by the hospital and at the end of the 12weeks, given a 24hr BP monitor to wear to check all was well. Our hospital has also introduced heart ultrasounds and ecgs for everyone with gestational hypertension/ preeclampsia to check for any damage, which is reassuring. Yes it's a bit faffy, but it definitely felt like everyone was taking close care of me.

There is now interesting research linking BP issues in pregnancy to BP / heart issues later in life. I was told that once past the immediate post partum period to make sure I was trying to follow a heart healthy lifestyle - exercise, diet, low salt, minimise stress etc to try and prevent any risks. Obviously with two kids under 4, it's hard to do but it was definitely a wake up call to make sure I'm trying to look after myself for them!

Congrats on your baby!