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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Hypertension in pregnancy

7 replies

Penguindreams · 07/09/2010 15:23

Hi there. I have had essential hypertension since I was 21 - familial factors, not overweight, don't smoke etc etc. I'm on methyldopa, which is not as good at controlling my BP as other drugs, but the only safe choice.

I am 14w with twins and my BP was fine a couple of weeks ago when checked by the MW. However the last couple of days my calves/ankles have been v swollen - they feel tight, like they could burst, if that makes sense! Also v itchy.

I have a wrist BP monitor which I haven't used in ages. Just done a check and the lowest of the 3 readings was 172/105 Shock.

I know it's too early for pre-eclampsia - any thoughts? My MW/GP are not easy to get hold of.

Many thanks!

OP posts:
japhrimel · 07/09/2010 15:28

You need to contact your MW or GP asap TBH. If you can't get hold of your midwife directly, do you have a hospital number to call? They may well want you to come in for monitoring anyway.

Original poster
Penguindreams · 07/09/2010 15:59

Thanks. I was worried I was just over reacting to what might be a normal pregnancy symptom (never done this before!). I have called the MW and left a message. The GP said to call back tomorrow at 8.30 and they would decide if I warranted a same day appt Hmm.

OP posts:
happygilmore · 08/09/2010 09:10

You do need to see a doctor asap, methyldopa dose can be increased, they may also give you labetalol. It's really important you see some one asap.

Hope you're OK :)

Original poster
Penguindreams · 08/09/2010 11:45

Thanks. I went to the EPU last night and ended up spending 3 hours in A&E - BP was up but then stabilised and they were happy to discharge me since I'm seeing the consultant in a couple of weeks. Dr told me my ankles (which are no longer recognisable as ankles!) could stay like this until birth now Shock

It is not looking good for avoiding pre-eclampsia really, is it?

OP posts:
happygilmore · 08/09/2010 15:29

It's by no means certain you'll develop PE, but you are at higher risk given your history and the fact you're expecting twins. You def need to have your urine and BP checked weekly, plus growth scans etc (sure you will be getting these). You should also discuss with your consultant about taking aspirin, not sure when you're meant to but they should certainly consider it.

I have a similar history to you and my BP went up at 16 weeks, stabilised on methyldopa til 39 weeks, then developed PE. So even if you do develop it, it can be late on. I would say though that you need a consultant who has a very good care plan for you. Perhaps call the PE charity for more advice?

www.apec.org.uk/

beamel · 09/09/2010 05:56

The new NICE guidelines for the management of hypertension in pregnancy (only came out last month) say that women with risk factors should be advised to take aspirin from 12 weeks until birth. A&E certainly will not be aware of this and many GP's/midwives also also won't know.
You need to see your consultant ASAP to discuss this, please don't leave it another 2 weeks. He may also want to review your meds.
Good luck !

WhatSheSaid · 09/09/2010 06:09

I was on methyldopa 1st pregnancy and labetalol 2nd pregnancy and the labetalol seemed to be better at keeping my bp down.

I was also on low-dose aspirin all the way through both pgs though I stopped at about 36 wks - I think you have to stop as it thins the blood which could be a problem at the birth.

I didn't develop PE either pg (I also have essential hypertension). Both dds born very healthy Smile. GOod luck

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