Pre eclampsia terrified

[scaredmum2be]

34+2 here. Went to hospital at 4:15pm as hadn't felt baby since 8am since this morning.
Protein 2+ found in urine. Bp taken three times, readings where 135/90, 125/80 and 140/90. Blood taken and sent off came back clear two hours later.
On Friday at my routine midwife app blood pressure was 120/80 when normally all through my pregnancy it has been 115/70-120/70. No protein in urine on Friday

Sent home and have to go to hospital again Wednesday for blood pressure check and growth scan. Told not to worry and any visual disturbances, headaches, swelling to phone triage.

Baby had trace done and she was fine. But I am worried this is the start of something bad and my baby won't make it. I'm terrified and don't know what to do.

[scaredmum2be]

Also not felt baby since trace taken off still. I'm worried as I heard pre eclampsia can cause the placenta to start failing but she said it was a good sign their was no sign of anything in blood work and that babies trace was good.

Have been very stressed the last couple of months but it's never affected my blood pressure before.

[ohanami]

Really sorry to hear you're going through this scared. It's such a stressful process and being given information that might indicate there's a problem is possibly even worse than being given a clear diagnosis.

I had my daughter at 33 weeks as a result of pre-eclampsia. She's a fighting fit two year old now and you'd never know that either of us had had any health problems - pre-eclampsia obviously isn't an ideal thing to be diagnosed with but with careful monitoring as it progresses and timely decision making it's very manageable and unlikely to lead to a bad outcome for either you or your baby at this stage. Even in a worst case scenario that saw you deteriorate overnight a baby born at 34 and a half weeks is likely to do very well on the outside world with just a bit of help.

I know it's hard but try to focus on the positives - the trace was good, and if they'd had any concerns I'm sure they would have kept you in overnight for monitoring. If you're worried that anything's changing overnight get straight on the phone to the ward/triage obviously. If it does turn out to be pre-eclampsia it sounds like they've picked it up before it's started to have a physical effect on either you or the baby so hopefully that means it's at an early stage and they'd have a few options on how to deal with it.

Hope you manage to get some sleep tonight and that all turns out well when you go back on Wednesday.

[Margoonyawill]

Completely agree with ohanami. Worst thing of all is not really knowing one way or another, but being scared symptoms will develop. Try not to feel too anxious, though I know that's easy to say. Your midwife & the maternity assessment unit will keep a close eye on you. If you have any worries at all, it's always better to call them -- IME they're never annoyed or make you feel like you're wasting their time.

My experience was similar to yours in that I started being monitored around 32 weeks. It did develop into PE, but I managed to hold out until 36+5, which is practically term, and the baby was absolutely fine.

Try not to be too scared, but do take any symptoms you have seriously and ask for help if you need it. Put your feet up & rest as much as you can. Good luck!

[UptownFunk00]

I know how you feel I had PE in first pregnancy. The extra monitoring really will help. Has it been 12 hours since trace? I'd let them know again if no movement in 12 hours.

It might just be slightly raised but it's good to check. Don't wait if you aren't comfortable.

[TwllBach]

Oh OP I've had something very similar this week - went in with black spots in my vision and urine tested positive for protein but blood tests and blood pressure and baby's heartbeat and movement were fine.

Four days later I called back because I had had a headache for two days... Still had the black spots. I was on the monitor twice and had bloods repeated and came back fine so they let me go home.

I'm 28+5 and just terrified it's going to turn into preeclampsia. Here are for you and try and be kind to yourself.

[kamillaw]

They will monitor you closely and possibly give you a low dose BP med to help your BP come down. Try not to stress (says she who is the definition of hypertensive) I had problems from 18 weeks with my first delivered at 36+1 and she is about to turn six! No issues with second but kept the hypertension. Am being monitored again with this last baby as my BP was misbehaving OK again now. Good that your bloods are OK. Remember to drink lots! X

[Margoonyawill]

Don't want to hijack the thread, but TwllBach I'm in a very similar situation. 26 weeks and tested +2 protein and high-ish bp (127/85, but I was 100/60 at 16 weeks so it's a big jump). Referred to the hospital and bp had dropped, protein back down at trace, so just hoping it was a blip and not a sign of things to come...

kamillaw it's really good to hear your story reassuring to know that even if it starts early, it's sometimes possible to keep going until almost term! Do you have any advice for the OP (& me!) e.g. how did you manage work/ older DCs/ other while trying to 'rest' and not stress??? Do you think anything we do makes a difference, or is it just chance?

[Margoonyawill]

One other thing scaredmum you mention not being able to feel the baby moving. Do you know if your placenta might be at the front? This was the case with my DS and I worried all the way through thinking he wasn't very active or that he kept stopping moving, but it was just because the placenta was absorbing all the movements he was absolutely fine!

[goodnightdarthvader1]

For those who have low BP to start with (as in, below the average 120/80) - I'm fairly sure that PE is still measured by how far above the average you are, not how far above your normal you are.

OP, it sounds like everything's fine with you. I went through a period of seeming reduced movements but I think that as the baby grows and changes position it becomes less easy to feel for a while. Now I'm 39+3 it's like someone doggy-paddling in there.

I know it's hard (I'm high risk for PE myself and my BP has started creeping up, along with a constant headache), but try to relax. They've said everything looks normal now. I also had a bit of protein in my urine that disappeared on subsequent midiwfe visits, so things can change. Good luck

[scaredmum2be]

Morning all didn't sleep to bad considering I suppose, was really restless for a good couple of hours at one point though and felt so bad for my oh as I think I kept him up to, told him he should go to spare room or I can but he insisted he was fine. oh is at work and I'm home alone in a right old state.
My anxiety is not going to help my bp come down is it. My nan is meant to be coming over and tbh I'd rather she didn't today as when I'm anxious people are the last things I want to see a lot off. Still not felt baby move again. So once she goes if nothing still I will be straight on the phone to triage, today and yesterday she has only moved on the monitor and I'm really concerned. Almost a guarantee for high bp right,
Also I randomly vomited two days ago after nearly six weeks vomit free and have a pain in my right side but towards the back that I forgot to mention. Urgh I don't know what to do, I thought the pain was muscular because it happens when I twist and sit leaning towards my right side, I don't feel it any other time but now I'm not so sure. Drunk plenty of water today but to scared to eat,
babies born at 34 weeks arnt guaranteed to be alright are they? I'm desperate to make it to 37 at least. I'm so scared for her well being. I feel like I've come so far and everything is going badly.


I have no risk factors either which is strange. No diabetes, not over weight, no family history, never had high bp before, I'm only 22 as well. I'm so confused why is this happening
Want to thank everyone here for their support.

[scaredmum2be]

also my placenta is fundal and mostly posterior.

[Margoonyawill]

Why don't you call the maternity assessment unit at your hospital and tell them you're concerned because you haven't felt movement in a while? No point in sitting at home worrying -- go in and get checked out for your own peace of mind.

[kamillaw]

Hi there OP. Go back in and mention all your niggles, my friend has just had a baby at 33 weeks and he's fine, 34 weeks the baby will have its sucking reflex and in most cases they just need to stay in to gain the extra weight and strength.

Margoonyawill. I was childless with my first (obviously) I was hospitalised a few times so in the end worked from home which was possible - would have considered being signed off if not, not having the commute really helped. Lots of feet up resting.

With my second my eldest was at nursery for some of the week as she was 3 and we chilled in the afternoons.

This time I've been a bit too busy. I've chilled out a bit now. I do tend to avoid salt where possible and lots of fluids.

Good luck ladies happy to keep this post going!

[crumblybiscuits]

Yes if it helps to reassure anyone the point they start worrying about blood pressure is 150/100 so you're still under that. I'm 29 weeks, taking beta blockers twice a day as my bp jumped up to 159/100 and monitored closely twice a week in preparation for pre-eclampsia so I feel your fears. My BP and condition has remained stable for the past two weeks and will hopefully do so until 37 weeks so fingers crossed yours will do the same. Try not to worry

[Battleshiphips2]

I delivered my first baby at 36 weeks due to pre eclampsia, your not far off that. He's now a very healthy 8 year old eagerly awaiting the birth of his baby brother in 9 days time. He was fine when he was born. I'm 34 +5 now and my blood pressure has been fine during this pregnancy. I'm going in next thursday when I'll be 36 +6 to be induced due to other complications. Now that they know they'll kee a close eye on you. If you don't feel right contact your midwife or get in touch directly with your maternity assessment unit. They'd rather you go and get checked out than leave it.

[Wardrobespierre]

My experience was slightly different. My normal bp was 80/50 and they worried once it reached 120/80 as it was high for me. My midwife was v clear that it was the comparison with my normal bp which was of concern.

[Margoonyawill]

Hello OP, just checking in to see how you're getting on? Did you go and get checked up in the end? Hope you're not feeling too anxious.

Thanks for the advice kamillaw! It's definitely easier said than done to 'rest', esp. if it's not your first, but I'm also trying to put my feet up whenever I can -- housework is not getting done, and I'm trying not to give in to the fear that other people think I'm just being a bit lazy... I too am happy to keep this thread going if others are interested! Don't have anyone to share PE anxieties with in RL.

Wardrobespierre my experience was similar to yours bp never really showed anything above 130/87, but I was still hospitalized for 10 days before being induced. PE is so different for everyone and very unpredictable -- so it's always better to be super cautious.

[frozensmoothie]

Hope you're ok OP.

My mum had pre-eclampsia with me and I was delivered at 34 weeks weighing 4lbs 4oz. I'm absolutely fine and that was 32 years ago now.

Because of that I've been on low dose aspirin throughout this pregnancy but still feeling anxious about developing it myself.

[PumpingRSI]

Hi all, this is a very timely post. I had PE with my first, identified at 35ish w and induced at end of 37. It started with bp starting to rise, partic the diastolic number I.e. bottom / second one. They were never ridiculously high but compared to my low anything that hit /90+ wasn't good. Then I got protein and bad swelling v quickly and off to be induced I went. I'm now 38w preg again and same pattern is starting again I.E. bp creeping up, trace protein but no swelling. Have left a message with mw as not due to see her til end of next week, but no call back yet. Wonder whether I should be ringing anyone else as leaving it til Mon seems a bit of a wait and given my experience, I'm getting anxious.

[ohanami]

pumping do you have a number for the antenatal ward/triage that you can call? If it was me I'd do that rather than wait until next week to see the midwife.

Hope you're OK op.

[Margoonyawill]

Agree pumping call & speak to someone, they'll probably ask you to come in given your past experiences. I wouldn't wait until Monday. Hope it all goes well for you.

[kamillaw]

Hi ladies,

Been for a check up today 27 weeks and BP behaving itself on the adjusted dose. Almost a little too low but I'm not complaining!

Scan and consultant next week.

[PumpingRSI]

Thanks everyone, spoken to midwife and getting checked at a Sat clinic tomorrow.

[Margoonyawill]

Great to hear your doing well kamillaw. Apart from the general benefits of drinking lots of water, is there a particular reason why staying hydrated is good if you're at risk of/have PE?

Hope your check-up went well pumping?

[scaredmum2be]

Just thought I'd update induction started at 35 weeks yesterday before my health gets worse.
Hope everyone else going through thus is ok