Undiagnosed preeclampsia?

[Jessicarr123]

Hi everyone I am new to mums net but desperately after some advice!

During my pregnancy I was looked after by the community midwives as it was my first. At booking appointment, I told my midwife that my mum had pre-e with me and my sister, which she recorded on my notes. My bp at this appointment was 100/60. Throughout my pregnancy, I had changing midwives and mentioned my family history at every appointment. My 12 and 20 week scans measured perfectly, but around half way through my pregnancy I began suffering with morning sickness. Rang the midwife and she said this was nothing to worry about, definitely not a symptom of pre-E. I also had rib pain and my blood pressure was generally 120/70 to 130/85. I mentioned some flashing lights but it was put down to standing up too quickly. I had no protein in my urine. Every time I mentioned my history I felt like I was being a hypochondriac and overall felt pretty well.

I went in to labour naturally at 39+3. As soon as I reached hospital they struggled to detect LOs heartbeat and there was meconium in my waters so she was delivered quickly with ventouse. She turned out to only be 4lb13 and needed to spend 10 days in the NICU due to low blood sugar and too many red blood cells. I also noticed that my placenta looked pretty thin and rubbish compared to one's I've seen in pictures! My LoS care in the NICU was incredible and she is a healthy feisty little girl! However they did not keep my placenta so cannot find out what happened. I went to my GP who said I should just be pleased we're okay and he highly doubts it was pre-e. I persuaded him to write to an OB who wrote back saying there didn't appear to be any medical concern so I need to contact the birth reflections team for counselling. I really feel that this is suggesting it is me with the problem, but I just want to do my LO justice and find out why she has to have such a struggle! I have been researching and preeclampsia.org says that a rise in blood pressure by 30 top number and 15 bottom number should be considered hypertension. Also the NHS choices website says that if you are at high risk for pre-e (which I was as my mother had it and it was my first baby) then you should be prescribed aspirin at 12 weeks. I asked my midwife at 32 weeks when I read this and she said no! I am really upset but am now considering raising a formal complaint. Anyone else had a similar experience?

[smellsofelderberries]

I've not but I would pursue this and make a complaint. You are so lucky your little one is okay from the sounds of things- I have a friend who's preeclampsia was missed and she lost her baby. It does sound like midwives rely too heavily on the magic numbers for blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, which is a great starting point but if a women is showing several other symptoms and evelvated (for them) blood pressure, it really should be looked in to.

[Jessicarr123]

Thanks smellsofelderberries, I just think they need to be aware so it doesn't happen to others. I know we are so lucky xx