Post Partum Hypertension

When my editor asked me to write this article, I remember getting goose pimples in my arms and face. It was not an appealing subject for me. Why? I can hear you ask. Because it evokes sad memories …

My sister lost her baby to antenatal pre-eclampsia. And just when we thought uuuugh, it’s finally over; she almost lost her life because her blood pressure could not stabilize several weeks after delivery. It oscillated between 200/180 and 190/160. It was a condition Dr. David Ombengi, her gynaecologist and an international researcher, described to us as postpartum hypertension (PPH) or postpartum pre- eclampsia. ‘It is a very risky condition that poses serious consequences including stroke or death,’ he had explained.

What is  Post Partum Hypertension
According to Dr. Ombengi, postpartum hypertension is a condition in which antenatal hypertension symptoms continue presenting themselves following the birth of your baby. These symptoms are characterized by:
– Protein in the urine
– Headaches
– Vision problems
– Oedema of the whole body, among others.

In normal situations, these symptoms are supposed to fade away after your baby is born-that is if you have suffered antenatal hypertension.’Currently, there has been no absolute medical reason for this condition. Medical research is still looking into the numerous theories that present it,’ he says.

Although a good percentage of women may suffer postpartum hypertension after having had antenatal hypertension, it is possible for a woman who did not have hypertension during pregnancy to develop it after delivery.

Some studies have shown that some symptoms may begin six weeks after delivery. It is therefore important that your doctor monitors you for about two days after delivery and faithful attendance of postnatal clinic to arrest any signs of hypertension.

Even though the condition usually clears up by itself within a short time, you may experience high blood pressure permanently. You may be suffering from postpartum hypertension if:

• You have high blood pressure
• You experience constant throbbing headaches
• You have vision problems like sensitivity to light or even blurred vision
• Decrease in amount of urine production
• In severe cases, multiple organ failure, infection and blood clotting problems.

What causes postpartum hypertension? 
While it may seem that there is no absolute medical reason for post partum hypertension, Dr. Ombengi recommends that a complete examination be carried out to enable a doctor pinpoint the likely  cause of the problem because, as it is currently, the causes may vary.

These may include:

Anxiety
This is most likely as a result of delivery-related stresses and worries about your newborn child. You may also be suffering from anxiety disorders which can in turn affect your blood pressure.

Weight
Your weight may have a serious effect on your blood pressure. Studies have shown that most mothers who have experienced postpartum hypertension are normally obese.

Salty and fatty foods
Eating salty or fatty foods may increase your likelihood of being hypertensive after delivery. This is because salt retains water in the body and holds onto it. It may also slow down blood flow in the veins . The result is feet and ankles swelling, headaches among other symptoms. Eating fatty, greasy food will also have similar effects to those caused by salt.

Smoking
If you are a cigarette smoker especially during pregnancy, you are increasing your chances of having postpartum hypertension.

Medication
Although no scientific facts are there to prove this yet, some doctors claim that during child birth when a mother shows an increase in blood pressure, the drugs administered to lower it could cause postpartum hypertension, after they are discontinued.

Treatment
This varies depending on how serious your symptoms present themselves. The main treatment is admission into hospital and being given medication intravenously until the blood pressure goes back to normal.

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid or minimize the consumption of fatty, greasy food.
• Avoid smoking.
• Exercise is good for you. It improves your general well being and hence reduces pregnancy related complications.

END: PG 33 /42