Hypertension after childbirth

Postpartum hypertension refers to high blood pressure shortly after pregnancy. It’s possible to develop this condition even if you have a healthy blood pressure while pregnant. Postpartum hypertension can develop shortly after giving birth, even without a history of high blood pressure. It often has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if not treated. 

Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia, on the other hand, may include high blood pressure along with:

• abdominal pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe headaches
• vision changes

Family Planning with Hypertension

Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) during family planning requires careful selection of birth control methods and preconception health checks to ensure a safe pregnancy.

• Safe birth control method chice is important: Avoid estrogen containing preparations (combined hormonal birth control pill, patch, or vaginal ring which contain synthetic estrogen. These can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. 
• Use Progestin-Only or Non-Hormonal Options such as copper or hormonal IUDs, contraceptive implants, barrier methods (condoms), or progestin-only pills (minipills). 

If you are planning a pregnancy and are living with high lood ressure (hypertension), measure and monitor your blood pressure and ensure that it is controlled. This willlower your risk of developing preeclampasia and preterm birth. Make an appointment with your doctor for pre-conception counselling for baseline lab tests, safe medication adjustments and set safe blood pressure targets.

Hypertension and Menopause

Some of the changes associated with the menopausal transition can increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). For example, declining estrogen levels can narrow blood vessels, and menopause symptoms like sleep disturbances and weight gain may also play a role.

Blood pressure typically increases with age, but menopause can further increase your risk. If it goes unmanaged, chronic high blood pressure may also lead to complications. The risk of developing high blood pressure generally increases with age, regardless of whether you’re experiencing menopause. However, body changes associated with menopause can increase the risk even further.