should i call midwife + would i be a crazy lady?

[fernie3]

I am only 14 weeks BUT because of previous history (high blood pressure with first pregnancy, severe preeclampsia with second and not so severe preeclampsia with third) also because my booking in blood pressure was on the high side (last one at 12 weeks was 155/88) I am supposed to be seeing the midwife every two weeks for a check. I was supposed to go last friday BUT an hour before I was supposed to go my 5 year olds school called and asked me to come and get her as she was ill so I had no choice but to rearrange the appointment. The next availible appointment was not for another two weeks, which would be just over a month between appointments not two weeks.
Should I call her to check its ok or do you think that at this stage thats probably fine - I dont want to nag her already, going on my last pregnancies shes going to be sick of the sight of me by the end.

Also (second part of question) I wanted to talk to her about the history a bit. With my first and third pregnancies which went ok (first was fine just needed monitoring,third was fine until 36 weeks when bp went up suddenly and they decided to induce a few days later to avoid problems really. With my second pregnancy my blood pressure was high from the start, i had really bad morning sickness and by 16 weeks i was getting breathless, dizzy spells, palpitations and just feeling unwell, i started taking medication at just over 20 weeks. The midwife ignored it and left telling me i was fine until i marched in at 35 weeks i had started to cough up blood i sat down and demanded to see a doctor in th hospital, as soon as I saw the doc he sent me straight to the delivery ward and by the time my son was born i was really feeling ill couldnt even wee because my kidneys were not working properly.

This pregnancy so far has followed the exact same pattern as second, I have felt very sick, blood pressure high, and dizziness, breathlessness and palpitations have started the last few weeks. HOWEVER in the past i have suffered from anxiety and i am very aware that these symptoms are the same . I have not had an anxiety attack for over a year though.

So...would it be wierd i.e woulxd she think i was crazy if i explained this to her, i want them to be aware this time of any potential problems but i dont want want to be the crazy lady!

what would you do?

[belgo]

Call your midwife and ask for another appointment. If you are supposed to have an appointment every two weeks, then a month in between is too long.

Of course you should tell her about your previous experience and how you feel this pregnancy feels the same - if she's a good midwife she will listen and take notice of your concerns.

[differentnameforthis]

Agree with Belgo on both points. Sounds like you have HELLP www.aapec.org.au/Pre-Eclampsia/10_HELLP.php previously & no symptoms should be ignored.

You are braver than me, I had dd1 at 36 weeks with PE & it hanging over with dd2, although it never occurred. Could never do it again!

Hope all is well!

[MumNWLondon]

Agree with other posters but would add: If midwife has not got appointments free don't push it just make appointment at GP instead - they will check BP/urine and baby's heartbeat.

Might be more appopriate to discuss concerns with GP in anycase? Personally in these circumstances I'd alternate between GP and midwife ie see each one once per month with 2 weeks between appointments.

GPs bring a slightly difference perspective to things and in your circumstances this might be useful.

[Trickle]

I missed an appointment with community midwives and there wasn't another for two weeks, so they sent me to the ante-natal clinic at the local hospital. I have no complications at all - I'm sure there's be somewhere they could fit you in especially with your history.

[bearcrumble]

Absolutely agree. You need to have your blood pressure monitored and an appointment with the GP or practice nurse will do this if there aren't any midwife appointments. If the level has gone dangerously high they'll send you up to the hospital. I'd have thought you should be under consultant care rather than the community midwives anyway given your history.

[fernie3]

I am under consultant care but my first consultant appointment isnt until 24 weeks, I am seeing midwife for appointments up until then and alongside consultant appointments. I will call tomorrow, and see what she says.