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Is Slightly Elevated BP Levels During Early Postpartum A Cause For Concern When Diagnosed With Preeclampsia During Labor?
Question: I was diagnosed with preeclampsia during my labor couple of days ago all is well previous to my labor but during my labor my pressure starts to go up and afterwards they saw my kidneys were having issues so now I have a 3 day old baby and I was diagnosed with preeclampsia so I would like to know what pressure is dangerous levels for me to be concerned about because my pressure has been 128 over 86 and in that range for the past few days
Brief Answer:
Not at danger level but slightly elevated
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Delivery is the cure for preeclampsia. Blood pressure and symptoms of preeclampsia tend to resolve or improve rapidly after delivery.
A normal blood pressure according to the US guidelines is less than 120/80.
The guidelines (JNC guidelines from Nov 2017) further state that elevated is 120-129 (for the top value), with the bottom value still 80 or less.
They now state that a person has high blood pressure when the top value is greater than 130 and the bottom is greater than 80.
This means that the 86 is slightly high and put it in the hypertension zone but not high enough to cause you any complications. It would not cause you any harm at this level.
You can continue monitoring for now. Diet and activity (when you get the chance, which can be difficult with a newborn) would help to control the pressure.
It is not at the stage where medications are needed.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Not at danger level but slightly elevated
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Delivery is the cure for preeclampsia. Blood pressure and symptoms of preeclampsia tend to resolve or improve rapidly after delivery.
A normal blood pressure according to the US guidelines is less than 120/80.
The guidelines (JNC guidelines from Nov 2017) further state that elevated is 120-129 (for the top value), with the bottom value still 80 or less.
They now state that a person has high blood pressure when the top value is greater than 130 and the bottom is greater than 80.
This means that the 86 is slightly high and put it in the hypertension zone but not high enough to cause you any complications. It would not cause you any harm at this level.
You can continue monitoring for now. Diet and activity (when you get the chance, which can be difficult with a newborn) would help to control the pressure.
It is not at the stage where medications are needed.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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