Postpartum preeclampsia: What causes it?

Q.	What is postpartum preeclampsia? I thought preeclampsia only occurred during pregnancy. Jennifer / Kansas see response Mayo Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist Roger Harms, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

All Pregnancy Q&As:

• Abnormal sperm morphology: What does it mean?
• Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Allergy medications during pregnancy: Are they safe?
• Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
• Antibiotics and pregnancy



• Back labor: What are the symptoms?
• Birth control pills: Harmful in early pregnancy?
• Birth control: Can pre-ejaculation fluid cause pregnancy?
• Blighted ovum: What are the causes?
• Chickenpox and pregnancy: What are the concerns?



• Constipation during pregnancy: Are stool softeners safe?
• Dilation and curettage (D and C)
• Early miscarriage: Is stress a factor?
• Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
• Fertility herbs and supplements: Do they enhance fertility?



• Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Fundal height: An accurate indicator of fetal growth?
• Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
• Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Are there safe treatments?
• Home birth: Who shouldn't consider it?



• Lactation suppression: When you choose not to breast-feed
• Low amniotic fluid: Should I worry?
• Lower back tattoo: Can it prevent an epidural?
• Migraines and pregnancy: Any connection?
• Molar pregnancy: What are the causes?



• Morning sickness: When is it a concern?
• Ovulation signs and symptoms: When am I most fertile?
• Postpartum depression: How does it affect the baby?
• Postpartum preeclampsia: What causes it?
• Rh factor in pregnancy: When is it a problem?



• Sperm: How long do they live after ejaculation?
• Spina bifida and childbirth: Can I have an epidural?
• Vaginal birth: Does it increase the risk of infant brain hemorrhage?
• X-rays during pregnancy: Can they harm my baby?

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