Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Post-baby exhaustion is real — but constant fatigue may be a sign of something more serious. This American Heart Month, Dr. Malamo Countouris is sharing the signs of postpartum hypertension.
Medical experts aren’t exactly sure what causes preeclampsia or how to prevent it. Fortunately, it usually resolves on its own within 12 weeks after delivery. But having preeclampsia during or after pregnancy increases your risk of developing high blood pressure as you get older.
A study in Hypertension found that 41.5% of women with preeclampsia had high blood pressure one year after giving birth. Preeclampsia can also be an early sign of heart disease.
To reduce your risk of heart disease, take these steps to stay healthy and manage your blood pressure:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Choose fresh, whole, unprocessed foods over fast food, fried foods, and salty snack foods. You don’t have to restrict sodium other than limiting processed foods.
- Eat foods every day that help reduce blood pressure, including colorful fruits and vegetables, high-fiber legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep at night.
- Limit alcohol to one drink a day or less.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking or vaping.
- Talk to your health care provider to see if you need blood pressure medicine.
New moms are often more focused on taking care of their newborn rather than themselves. However, hypertension after pregnancy can be serious — even life-threatening. It’s important to recognize the symptoms, seek help immediately, and do all you can to stay healthy.
Post-baby exhaustion is real — but constant fatigue may be a sign of something more serious. This American Heart Month, Dr. Malamo Countouris is sharing the signs of postpartum hypertension.
Medical experts aren’t exactly sure what causes preeclampsia or how to prevent it. Fortunately, it usually resolves on its own within 12 weeks after delivery. But having preeclampsia during or after pregnancy increases your risk of developing high blood pressure as you get older.
A study in Hypertension found that 41.5% of women with preeclampsia had high blood pressure one year after giving birth. Preeclampsia can also be an early sign of heart disease.
To reduce your risk of heart disease, take these steps to stay healthy and manage your blood pressure:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Choose fresh, whole, unprocessed foods over fast food, fried foods, and salty snack foods. You don’t have to restrict sodium other than limiting processed foods.
- Eat foods every day that help reduce blood pressure, including colorful fruits and vegetables, high-fiber legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep at night.
- Limit alcohol to one drink a day or less.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking or vaping.
- Talk to your health care provider to see if you need blood pressure medicine.
New moms are often more focused on taking care of their newborn rather than themselves. However, hypertension after pregnancy can be serious — even life-threatening. It’s important to recognize the symptoms, seek help immediately, and do all you can to stay healthy.
