The biggest question I had after I had my baby due to preeclampsia and things settled down was “What should I ask my doctor?”. There were so many questions swirling around in my head. “Is my body recovered? Could I have another pregnancy? What the heck happened?”
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I, like many survivors, didn’t get a lot of support after the 8 weeks postpartum after preeclampsia.
That was when I was completely off blood pressure medication and had plans for birth control. It seemed that I was “just fine” and things were “all better”.
At the time, that was good enough for me. I didn’t know any different. Since starting my blog a few years ago and getting in contact with other survivors and advocates, I have learned a lot. As an example, I learned that since I had preeclampsia I am at high risk to develop heart disease and strokes.
I learned that I needed to be an advocate for myself. I needed to put on my big girl pants and demand answers and guidance. No one else was going to do it for me. I needed to take control of my health care and seek out the care I knew I needed.
To help me know what I needed to ask my doctor after a preeclampsia pregnancy, I created a list of questions I needed to ask. I have not asked my doctor all of these questions yet. Getting the answers you need is an ongoing process and sometimes it takes time. The number one thing as a survivor, that you need to do is to be sure your body is in the healthiest state it can be in. And that starts with you taking care of your health.
UPDATE (2024): I had another pregnancy after preeclampsia. This list of questions helped me get all the answers I needed to make this decision. Not every single question applied to me and my health, just like not every single one will for you. Take these questions with a grain of salt and as a way to start the conversation with your provider.
If you would like the list of questions that you should ask your doctor after preeclampsia in a printable, you can download it below.
What You Should Ask Your Doctor After Preeclampsia
Questions for Survivors to Ask After Preeclampsia
- What is your experience of treating women after preeclampsia and its long-term consequences?
- What were/are my risk factors?
- Does PreE have genetic or family connections?
- What are my chances of developing PreE again?
- How does my onset during pregnancy and severity increase my risk of developing PreE again?
- With my medical history after preeclampsia, what should I be doing to heal my body?
- With my risk factors, current symptoms, and personal family history should I be concerned about any autoimmune, metabolic, or coagulation disorders?
- Are my siblings or children now at risk to develop PreE during their pregnancies?
- What method of contraception would you recommend for me?
- What are the risks for me and the baby if I were to get pregnant again?
- According to my medical records, XYZ happened during my pregnancy along with PreE, how did those play into my risk factors?
- What has happened to women with another pregnancy after Preeclampsia in your experience?
- How should I prepare for another pregnancy?
- How long should I space out my pregnancies?
- Should I lose weight before another pregnancy?
- Should I change my diet before another pregnancy?
- Do I need to be in better physical shape before another pregnancy?
- If I were to get pregnant, when should I contact you?
- How would you “treat” my pregnancy after Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy?
- Would you prescribe me baby aspirin? If so, when would you?
- What would be the most appropriate method of delivery in my next pregnancy? Scheduled c-section? Induction?Vaginal?
- Would I have a team of doctors during my pregnancy?
- Would I be monitored closely in my pregnancy?
- Would my baby be monitored closely?
- Do you recommend bed rest as a “treatment plan” for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy? If so, why?
- Could I continue my normal way of life during my next pregnancy (i.e. still work)?
- Since I gave birth at ____ weeks during my last pregnancy, would I be at more risk for another premature birth? (applies only if you gave birth prematurely during your PreE pregnancy)
- What would you do to prevent another premature birth?
- How often will be my appointments in the next pregnancy?
- How up to date are you on the latest studies and information on preeclampsia?
Life After Preeclampsia
Life after preeclampsia can be a confusing time. Sometimes you are so focused on just taking care of and helping your baby, especially in the cases of NICU stays. You can read my post about life after the NICU here. Your mental health may be struggling too. (You can read more about mental health and preeclampsia here).
Survivor, remember that what you went through was not your fault. I am truly sorry you have to know how this feels preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome has become a part of your life and you have to live with the consequences. Life after preeclampsia is a life that I wish you did not have to experience.
Remember, when speaking with providers about life after preeclampsia, to advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get second, third, or even fourth opinions about your healthcare.
Be sure to use resources like the Preeclampsia Foundation to gather information to share with our providers.
I hope this resource helps you get the information you need and guide you in a direction. My friend, you got this.
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Did you know I co-host the Knock on Parenthood Podcast?
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Great questions to ask. So informative!
Thank you. It is so important for survivors to be on top of their health!
Very informative and helpful read for mothers to read.
Thanks for sharing Courtney!
Thank you! It is everything I wish someone told me.
Such a comprehensive list of questions to ask. Well done. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Rupali. It is so important that preeclampsia survivors understand what happened or could happen to their bodies.
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