Blood Pressure Help Please?!

ThirdTimeLucky27 · 2023-12-19T12:37:31+00:00

Will try to keep this as short as possible.. I'm currently 11 days postpartum, I had preeclampsia at the end of my pregnancy which resulted in me needing 200mg Labetalol 4 times a day. Then 3 days after baby was born my blood pressure spiked and I ended up in hospital where they started me on 10mg nifedipine twice daily.. Since then my blood pressure has remained stable and yesterday I was discharged from the midwife. This morning I took my morning meds as usual before the school run but about half an hour later I started to feel dizzy and sick. I took my blood pressure when I got home and it was 115/68 which I understand isn't worrying low but I've never had a reading that low and with the symptoms I decided to phone my GP.. They have advised to keep taking all medications and they will call to discuss on the 4th Jan which is more than 2 weeks away. Basically do you think I should be seen before? Partner is back to work so feeling dizzy and faint whilst looking after a newborn isn't great. Thanks in advance x

MintJulia · 19/12/2023 12:44

115/68 is not bad. What have you eaten today? Are you breastfeeding?

You need fluids and energy. What do you feel like eating? Veggie or chicken soup would be good with chunky bread or something like that. Fresh fruit, anything that combines food with plenty of fluid. Keep away from caffeine if possible.

Do you have your mum or a friend who can nip to the shop for you and stock up?

Capybara19 · 19/12/2023 12:46

Hi

I have a similar situation not pre eclampsia but I had high bo in third trimester and by the end I was on 3xlabetalol 200 a day and 2 nifepidine and it went up day 3 post parturition and nifepidne got doubled it made me feel a bit out of it for a couple of days but I persevered I am now being weaned off all the above medication down to 2 tablets from 7 at the moment and then GP will assess if I need something longer term to keep it down that won’t be the above medications as they are for pregnant and newly post party’s ladies

I didn’t like taking the medications but baby was born healthy and that’s all that matters

I think at the moment your hormones will be all over the place and affecting bp I would follow the doctors advice but you will have a better idea wher your at 8 weeks postpartum once more hormones have stabilised

Original poster

ThirdTimeLucky27 · 19/12/2023 12:47

MintJulia · 19/12/2023 12:44

115/68 is not bad. What have you eaten today? Are you breastfeeding?

You need fluids and energy. What do you feel like eating? Veggie or chicken soup would be good with chunky bread or something like that. Fresh fruit, anything that combines food with plenty of fluid. Keep away from caffeine if possible.

Do you have your mum or a friend who can nip to the shop for you and stock up?

Thank you appreciate that.. I hadn't eaten to be honest.. Focused on getting 3 children fed and ready but must make time to look after myself aswell

OP posts:

Original poster

ThirdTimeLucky27 · 19/12/2023 12:48

Capybara19 · 19/12/2023 12:46

Hi

I have a similar situation not pre eclampsia but I had high bo in third trimester and by the end I was on 3xlabetalol 200 a day and 2 nifepidine and it went up day 3 post parturition and nifepidne got doubled it made me feel a bit out of it for a couple of days but I persevered I am now being weaned off all the above medication down to 2 tablets from 7 at the moment and then GP will assess if I need something longer term to keep it down that won’t be the above medications as they are for pregnant and newly post party’s ladies

I didn’t like taking the medications but baby was born healthy and that’s all that matters

I think at the moment your hormones will be all over the place and affecting bp I would follow the doctors advice but you will have a better idea wher your at 8 weeks postpartum once more hormones have stabilised

Thank you for your reply! Glad to hear things are getting better for you

OP posts:

Hiddenvoice · 19/12/2023 12:50

I think the gp isn’t in a rush to see you because the reading is okay. I was the same and after having my baby my bp was a bit all over the place but soon settled and I’ve eased to a much lower dosage of tablets.
I’ve read you’ve not eaten which is probably why you’re feeling a bit dizzy etc. I know you’ve got a lot with a newborn and the school run but I’d try make sure you’ve taken some time for yourself to eat etc.

Original poster

ThirdTimeLucky27 · 19/12/2023 12:52

Hiddenvoice · 19/12/2023 12:50

I think the gp isn’t in a rush to see you because the reading is okay. I was the same and after having my baby my bp was a bit all over the place but soon settled and I’ve eased to a much lower dosage of tablets.
I’ve read you’ve not eaten which is probably why you’re feeling a bit dizzy etc. I know you’ve got a lot with a newborn and the school run but I’d try make sure you’ve taken some time for yourself to eat etc.

Thank you. Appreciate your reply

OP posts:

Destiny123 · 19/12/2023 12:53

I'm an obstetric anaesthetist, it depends on what meds your still on, it needs discussing with maternity triage rather than gp as it's their forte. If you ring the helpline they'll be able to get their drs to let you know what to do

Original poster

ThirdTimeLucky27 · 19/12/2023 13:11

Destiny123 · 19/12/2023 12:53

I'm an obstetric anaesthetist, it depends on what meds your still on, it needs discussing with maternity triage rather than gp as it's their forte. If you ring the helpline they'll be able to get their drs to let you know what to do

Thank you.. unfortunately I've tried maternity triage who advised after 10 days it's no longer their responsibility. Don't know who to turn to now.

OP posts:

Destiny123 · 24/12/2023 11:06

Are you off meds? What has the gp said?