Recommendation: 

Schedule postpartum visits prior to discharge for patients who have experienced hypertension/preeclampsia.

 

Components: 

Follow up with OB or relevant specialist within 2-3 days.

Schedule all patients with diagnosed cardiac disorders or at-risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)--preterm birth, diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia--for appointments within 7 days with a cardiologist prior to discharge.

Educate patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (i.e. preterm birth, gestational diabetes or hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia) on the importance of ongoing follow-up, due to increased risk later in life.

Consider remote BP monitoring for women and birthing people with known preeclampsia and/or elevated BP during pregnancy/labor. 

  • Provide education on BP home monitoring
  • Provide BP cuff at discharge for home monitoring
  • Provide call number for reporting of BP results
  • Provide patient with Blue Band and/or wallet card for easy provider identification of preeclampsia risk
  • Provide emergency call number for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy warning signs and symptoms
  • Instruct patient to return for BP check in ED/OB Triage or with provider no later than 7-10 days (3-5 days if severe) if unable to be monitored at home

 

Examples of Tools: 

Preeclampsia Foundation

Preeclampsia awareness tools