Risk factors

Limited research suggests that risk factors for postpartum preeclampsia might include:

• High blood pressure during your most recent pregnancy. You're at increased risk of postpartum preeclampsia if you developed high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy (gestational hypertension).
• Obesity. The risk of postpartum preeclampsia is higher if you're obese.
• Having multiples. Having twins, triplets or more increases your risk of preeclampsia.
• Chronic high blood pressure. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure before pregnancy increases your risk of preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia.
• Diabetes. Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes increases your risk of preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia.