When I heard the word preeclampsia during my pregnancy, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. I knew it was serious—but I didn’t realize how much it would shape my birth story, my postpartum experience, and the way I needed to care for myself afterward.
If you’ve recently experienced preeclampsia, first let me say: you’re not alone, and you are incredibly strong. Preeclampsia is not just something that ends at birth. For many, the road to recovery continues well into the postpartum period, especially when high blood pressure lingers.
Here’s what I’ve learned—and what I wish someone had told me—about healing your body and heart after preeclampsia.
1. Know That Healing Takes Time
Preeclampsia doesn’t disappear the moment your baby is born. Many women continue to experience elevated blood pressure for weeks—or even months—after delivery. Some may be diagnosed with postpartum hypertension or even chronic hypertension.
This is not your fault. Your body went through something traumatic. Allow yourself time, rest, and grace as you recover.
2. Take Blood Pressure Monitoring Seriously
It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner with a newborn, but monitoring your blood pressure is vital. Whether your doctor recommends home readings or follow-ups in the clinic, stay consistent.
If you're sent home with a blood pressure cuff, write down your numbers daily. Notify your provider if you experience:
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Readings consistently over 140/90 mmHg
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Blurred vision or headaches
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Sudden swelling in your hands or face
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Shortness of breath or chest pain
These could be signs of postpartum preeclampsia or a hypertensive emergency—and they need urgent care.
3. Take Medications as Prescribed
If your doctor puts you on blood pressure medication, don’t skip doses, even if you’re feeling better. Blood pressure can fluctuate, and medications help prevent serious complications like stroke, seizure, or organ damage.
Let your provider know if you're experiencing side effects—there are often alternatives that can work better for your body.
4. Eat for Your Heart and Hormones
Nourishing your body is one of the best ways to support healing. Focus on:
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Whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains
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Low-sodium options to help manage blood pressure
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Potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach
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Staying hydrated, especially if you're breastfeeding
Skip extreme diets. Now is a time for healing, not restriction.
5. Move Gently, When Ready
Ask your healthcare provider when it's safe to start light movement. For many, gentle walks, stretching, and deep breathing exercises are a good place to begin.
Exercise can naturally lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and support mental health—but only when your body is ready. Don’t push. Start slow.
6. Get Sleep Where You Can
We all know sleep is scarce with a newborn, but even short naps and rest periods can help regulate blood pressure and improve healing.
Accept help. Let a friend or family member hold the baby while you nap. You deserve rest—your life literally depends on it.
7. Care for Your Emotional Health, Too
Preeclampsia can be traumatic. You may feel fear, grief, or guilt—especially if your delivery was rushed or didn’t go as planned.
It’s okay to feel those things. Talk to a therapist, counselor, or support group. Mental health and physical health are deeply connected, and anxiety or stress can impact your blood pressure, too.
You don’t have to process it alone.
8. Attend All Postpartum Appointments
Postpartum checkups aren’t just a formality—they’re critical after preeclampsia. Your provider will monitor your blood pressure, adjust medications if needed, and help determine whether your condition is resolving or becoming chronic.
Don’t skip them. They’re a key part of your healing.
9. Know the Long-Term Risks—But Don’t Panic
Women who’ve had preeclampsia are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and chronic hypertension later in life. It’s scary, but it doesn’t mean you’re doomed.
It means you’re empowered with knowledge. You can make heart-healthy choices now and follow up regularly with a primary care provider or cardiologist as needed.
Your experience gives you the opportunity to take control of your health.
10. You Deserve Compassion—From Yourself Most of All
It’s easy to blame yourself, to wonder why it happened, to grieve the birth experience you hoped for. But please hear this:
You did nothing wrong.
You are not weak.
You are not a failure.
You survived something serious. You gave life while fighting for your own. And now, every step you take toward healing is an act of strength and courage.
Final Thoughts
Healing after preeclampsia and postpartum hypertension is more than just checking boxes—it’s a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey. It’s okay if it feels messy or overwhelming. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
Let your healing be slow. Let it be real. And know that you’re not alone.
If you’re struggling right now, reach out—to your doctor, your loved ones, or even just a friend who will listen. Your health matters. You matter.
Here is a link to an at home blood pressure reader that I used to stay on top of my readings: https://amzn.to/3HDUstL
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