Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare but serious condition related to high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine soon after childbirth. It can occur up to six weeks after childbirth, but most cases develop within 48 hours of childbirth. The exact cause of postpartum preeclampsia is not well understood, but it is believed that fluid shifts that occur after giving birth can cause a rise in blood pressure levels during the three- to six-day period after labor and delivery. Risk factors for postpartum preeclampsia include high blood pressure during pregnancy, obesity, having gestational diabetes or preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes, carrying multiples, and having heart or kidney disease.