After childbirth, it is not uncommon for women to experience high blood pressure. If not treated, it can have serious consequences, including stroke and, in some cases, death. It is unclear what causes high blood pressure after childbirth, or who may develop it.

In a study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting, researchers will unveil findings that suggest all women, regardless of whether they have a history of high blood pressure, need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, also known as postpartum hypertension.

The study looked at 164 women from September 2016 to July 2019 who gave birth at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston and were readmitted with high blood pressure. The majority of women (64.6%) were readmitted within seven days, and 39 percent of those women were not diagnosed with high blood pressure prior to being discharged.

“Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. As clinicians, we’re always looking for ways to tailor interventions so we can reduce deaths,” said the study’s lead author Conisha Holloman, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston. “At our hospital, we noticed a lot of women were being readmitted after giving birth with high blood pressure, even when they didn’t have a history of high blood pressure. While clearly more research needs to be done on what causes high blood pressure after childbirth, what our study reveals is a strong need to educate all women—not just those who may be at a higher risk—about the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure before they are discharged.”

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GRAPEVINE, Texas — After childbirth, it is not uncommon for women to experience high blood pressure. If not treated, it can have serious consequences, including stroke and, in some cases, death. It is unclear what causes high blood pressure after childbirth, or who may develop it.

In a study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting, researchers will unveil findings that suggest all women, regardless of whether they have a history of high blood pressure, need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, also known as postpartum hypertension.

The study looked at 164 women from September 2016 to July 2019 who gave birth at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston and were readmitted with high blood pressure. The majority of women (64.6%) were readmitted within seven days, and 39 percent of those women were not diagnosed with high blood pressure prior to being discharged.

“Texas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. As clinicians, we’re always looking for ways to tailor interventions so we can reduce deaths,” said the study’s lead author Conisha Holloman, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston. “At our hospital, we noticed a lot of women were being readmitted after giving birth with high blood pressure, even when they didn’t have a history of high blood pressure. While clearly more research needs to be done on what causes high blood pressure after childbirth, what our study reveals is a strong need to educate all women ? not just those who may be at a higher risk — about the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure before they are discharged.”

About SMFM

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) is a non-profit, membership organization based in Washington, DC. With more than 4,000 physicians, scientists and women’s health professionals around the world, the Society supports the clinical practice of maternal-fetal medicine by providing education, promoting research and engaging in advocacy to optimize the health of high-risk pregnant women and their babies. SMFM hosts an annual scientific meeting in which new ideas and research related to high risk pregnancies are unveiled and discussed. For more information, visit SMFM.org and connect with the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For the latest 2020 Annual Meeting news and updates, follow the hashtag #smfm20.

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After childbirth, you might still look pregnant for some weeks. And even after losing the weight around your belly, the skin around it still remains loose and saggy. The good thing is that you can always tone the muscles on your belly and get rid of the saggy skin.

Try these tips:

Eating the right foods

Your kin needs the right nutrients to repair the sagging skin and achieve its elasticity. Eating healthy fats helps in building muscles while eating protein such as eggs may help in toning your belly muscles. Make sure you include fruits and vegetables in your diet as well.

Drinking enough water

Water helps the skin regain its elasticity and also helps it to become supple. So drink up all day not just for your skin but also for other benefits.

You got to exercise

I know this is not easy with all the things that have to be done after the baby comes. While you don’t have to exercise for hours to lose the excess fat around your belly, even 30 minutes can do wonders so long as you remain consistent. Start with light cardio and progress as your body continues to heal. Most importantly, make sure you consult your doctor to confirm it’s okay for you to start exercising. The doctor can also advise on the safe exercises that won’t strain your recovering body.

Massage while moisturizing

Moisturizing during and after pregnancy is important for the elasticity of your skin and preventing stretch marks. Moisturizing your skin regularly speeds up the repair process. You could try using natural oils such as almond or coconut. While applying, massage your skin to make sure the oils are well absorbed into the skin.

Post-partum belt

Post-partum belts are readily available in most shops and markets today. You can get a new one or even second.

Tummy tuck surgery

If you feel like all the above are taking longer than you would like, you could also go for elective surgery. It helps gets rid of the excess skin and leaves your belly muscles firm.

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