Hypertension (postpartum)

There may be an increase in mean arterial blood pressure during the first five days after delivery. This rise is exaggerated in hypertensive women.

Women may be symptomatic with headache and epigastric discomfort. Treatment should be initiated in severe hypertension. First line agents include calcium antagonists and beta-blockers.

Antihypertensive treatment for pregnancy induced hypertension can generally be completely stopped with 4 weeks of delivery. Blood pressure measurement should be undertaken after treatment has stopped to ensure that it has remained at a normal level.