Postpartum - High BP - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Mum2 · 02-02-2004, 09:32 PM

Hi All - new to the site and what a great site I have found it very informative. However as my situation is a little out of the ordinary would be grateful for any advice.

I have never suffered high blood pressure before until 2 weeks after deliverying my 2nd child - high blood pressure 170/110, I have had all the tests done and it has been diagnosed as essential hypertension (aka: no idea hypertension)
.
In the past month it has dropped down to 150/88, and appears to be dropping even further (135/88) with a few isolated high readings (160/100..

). My doctor is considering medication and discontinuing breastfeeding, don't want to do this however I dont want to be foolish. So I guess another question would be how long could I have readings of 135-150/88 (and labile)before commencing medication? and is there a safe medication for breastfeeding?

Has anyone heard of postpartum high blood pressure before? is it likely to continue to drop as my body adjusts back to normal?

I am healthy, not overweight, don't drink or smoke, however high bp is in my family although most members didn't receive treatment until they were at least 50 (I am 30).

sorry for all the questions but any light that could be shed would be greatly appreciated.

))

Gatormom · 02-03-2004, 11:33 AM

Yes, I have heard of this - my daughter had something similar after her first baby. We discovered (at Target BP machine) that her BP was sky high, called her OB and she had to go directly to the hospital. They kept her 2 days and got the numbers down with IV medications. Her's was called postpartum eclampsia. They said eclampsia can occur during pregnancy and after, which we never heard of before. She had to take a medication for about a month and then her numbers stayed down and have been fine since, including through another pregnancy and afterwards.
I wonder if there are choices of meds to control BP which are compatible with breast feeding? It would certainly be worth asking your doctor or doing some research.
Good luck and I hope you and your little one both do well.

pslam 91 · 02-03-2004, 04:57 PM

hi mum, that is whem my bp went up too. We have discussed postpartum bp around the holidays on this board. Look in the archives. I never knew about preecamsia after the baby. I'll be sure to ask my ob. I have had some thoughts on this since the last post. I am taking calsium/magnisium supplements. Calsium is important for blood pressure. Think how much the baby took from us. Maybe we are depleted in vitamins and minerals. Especially breast feeding too. I pray nothing stops you from that special time with your baby. I miss it. My baby will be 4 this month. I havent been able to get pregnant again. I am very greateful for what I have though!