Postpartum symptoms of preeclampsia/eclampsia may present after delivery for up to how long?

• A. 48 hours
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 3 months
• D. Up to 6 weeks

Answer: (D)

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can develop after delivery, and the postpartum period extends about six weeks. Because factors that promote endothelial dysfunction can linger after the placenta is gone, blood pressure elevations and related symptoms may first appear at any point during that puerperal window. That makes six weeks the appropriate timeframe for postpartum symptom onset. While many cases occur early—within days—the risk window isn’t limited to 48 hours or two weeks; a minority may develop symptoms up to six weeks postpartum. Three months postpartum is outside the typical surveillance period. If symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, epigastric pain, or sudden high blood pressure occur after delivery, urgent evaluation is needed.