Pre-eclampsia

[Twinkey]

My daughter had pre-eclampsia during her last pregnancy and has just been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia in this pregnancy. She is 24 wks! As my daughter had eclamptic fits when her son was born, and she and her son nearly died, the family is now very worried about this pregnancy . Her hospital visits have been increased to every second week and she has to see her local midwife in the weeks between. Blood pressure is ok at present, but she has protein in her urine and the baby, normal at 20 wks, is now small for 24 wks. My daughter has been told she is high risk for eclampsia again and it is expected that her blood pressure will soon start to rise, as it did in the previous pregnancy. Any advice or comments would be gratefully accepted.

She will get medication and probably admission for the rest of her pregnancy. I had PET with both pregnancies, earlier each time. I spent the last month in hospital with DS following daily checks for the previous month and frequent overnight stays. Nothing she can do but take the betablockers and rest.

But as long as she stays in close contact with the hospital it is manageable.

Many thanks for your reply whomovedmychocolatecookie. My dd was in and out of hospital like a yoyo with the last pregnancy and was induced early. We nearly lost her and her ds at delivery as there were so many medical probs. She has not been given any meds to take, although she has been warned she is high risk for eclampsia again.

So glad all went well in the end with your pregnancies.

My liver partially failed after I had my first child because of PET. However with my second because I'd had such problems the medics were extremely cautious and that helped a lot. I'm sure it will be the same with your daughter.

We are very lucky to live in a country where such close monitoring is available and chances are your daughter and her baby will be absolutely fine.

If she is unsure of the plan for her treatment, ask her to make an appointment with the consultant treating her and go with her, or ask to see the midwifery supervisor and ask lots of questions. Some people don't ask questions and information isn't always forthcoming unless specifically asked for. It's best to go in with a list of questions you need answering. For example: what will be the trigger points for admission; when will steroids be given in case early delivery is required; how often will I be reviewed if I appear to be tolerating the pregnancy well; can I self review (I checked my BP and urine at home daily until I was six months pregnant so I could call in if symptoms got worse).

You might also want to go see the pre-eclampsia charity site: www.preeclampsia.org/

Your comments are a great help. I will make sure to paste them in an e-mail to my dd.

I know she had to see the Dr when she had her last scan at the hospital, but I'm not sure if it was the consultant. Will try and find out and arrange an appointment if not.

Will have a look at the website you provided and will pass it on to my dd.

I have to be careful what I say to dd as she doesn't like to hear bad news. I don't want to frighten her, but do want to be sure she is prepared for any problems.

Many thanks again for all your help.

Hiya,

I'm so sorry your family are going through this. I am a pre-eclampsia survivor and I know how devastating this desease is.

I have compiled a "portfolio" on preeclampsia since my ordeal. If you still have any questions -

www.squidoo.com/brewer-diet

There I share all I know about pe.

Lotsa hugs

I am another one who was monitored intensively in second pregnancy due to preeclampsia risk. I did eventually dvelop preeclampsia, was kept in hospital, induced at 36 weeks- no harm done.