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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Headache & vision problems...PLEASE ADVISE! :-)

64 replies

clouiseg · 16/02/2011 15:17

Hi all

Has anyone had symptoms of pre-eclampsia and its all blown over??

My bp is normally great (around 114/60) but do have several other pregnancy health issues (prev DVT & Embolism so on Clexane plus vascular condition which is too complicated to explain Grin).

Routine dipstick at 24 weeks showed a diddy bit of protein (enough for nurse to send it off, results came back clear).

Last few days I've had the most stinking headache on and off. Had odd little 'sparkly' dots in my vision which move really fast (sorry know that sounds stooopid but cant think how else to describe it Confused). Also had intermittent pain in the top of my bump which has been enough to get right on my nerves. Feels like cramp...v sore. Anyhow, feel a little strange today so DH insisted on bringing home a BP machine from town (bless him!) and it measures around 138/80 (3 times).

Silly question I know, but I'm only 28 weeks and have never had BP issues or anything with 3 DDs. Should I be worried? I mean BP isnt THAT high so I'm inclined to wait it out?!

I will say I have been under a phenomenal amount of stress lately. So many issues at the moment so I literally dont know my arse from my elbow. Hoping its nothing but unsure whether I ought to be concerned!! My mum & sister both had PE but I escaped it. Have booked a nurse appt for a wee check but feel a bit of a wally as it may be nothing?!

Any advice? XX

OP posts:
Greenmantle · 16/02/2011 15:22

Oh gosh, I don't have much advice to offer as I'm not clued up with BP and what's normal but I think you should speak to your midwife asap. It's better to get it check over and be told there's nothing to worry about and feel like a bit of a prat than leave it and find out that there is an actual problem!

I had the sparkly dots across my vision a couple of times. Most odd! I put it down to low BP and didn't worry as was fine in all other regards.

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 15:31

greenmantle thankyou for replying Smile

I have booked an appt with the nurse at the GPs for a quick check as MW due next week and can't see me getting in any sooner. If the nurse is concerned hopefully she'll arrange for a sooner appointment Hmm

Fingers crossed its nothing as quite honestly I am soooooo swamped at the moment I dont need any more to worry about! Grin

Although I may tell DH they have ordered me to have an adult only holiday for say....a week!! Somewhere hot...with lots of food Grin

OP posts:
Ladylay · 16/02/2011 15:31

I had the vision thing too. Like the start of a migraine but subsided into dull headache. Think its quite commom.

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 15:36

Oh thank god someone else has had it! Had a quick chat to my dramaqueen friend who terrified me into making the appt as she had a friend of a friend whose sisters workmate (lol) had Pre Eclampsia and she ignored it!! . Between her & DH I promised I'd pop to the nurse to shut them up but then actually it began to niggle me Confused but won't admit it Grin

OP posts:
mamadiva · 16/02/2011 15:37

I would go to hospital, Pre-eclampsia can be fatal for you and/or baby if left.

Better to be safe than sorry!

I had a normal pregnancy then got mild PE in the last 2/3 weeks. Just be careful. :)

Lulumaam · 16/02/2011 15:39

vision problems raised bp and protein are symptoms of PE. your mum & sister had it. it can start in the second tirmester. you should be chekced out today, your health and your baby's health is important. it might well be nothing, but IMO, you need a Midwife to examine you and confirm that it is nothing

mamadiva · 16/02/2011 15:42

Erm.. I know the friends, workamtes, sister thing sounds far fetched but it does happen.

One of my closest friends did'nt actually realise that is why she had constant sore heads/swollen limbs and tiredness and put up with it for a month.

Her DD is now 6.. with the mental age of 3.

BonjourIvresse · 16/02/2011 15:44

You need to speak to a midwife or doctor immediately. PE is not to be fucked about with.

Cristiane · 16/02/2011 15:45

Get checked TODAY I'd call NHS direct NOW

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 15:48

Thank you mama & lulu for replying Smile

I just always had a pre conceived idea that you had to have a swollen face and diastolic bp of 90+ for them to worry but I do see your point. And I suppose I'm a little cocky certain that after 3 DDs I'm not prone to it but Hmm (mind you have some hefty sausage fingers today that I hadnt noticed before Shock)

And Lulu I was following the childbirth thread about the lady who just about survived her birth thanks to an undiagnosed amniotic embolism...and you had given her some bloomin good advice (thank god!) so I'll def heed your advice.

I will admit its not something I have ever had in PG before so its a new one on me!

OP posts:
Cristiane · 16/02/2011 15:50

Have you made an appointment to see someone NOW? I can't actually believe you are being so laid back about this. This is NOT to be messed around with.

Cristiane · 16/02/2011 15:50

Sorry that sounds harsh am just worried

BonjourIvresse · 16/02/2011 15:50

The chest pain is a massive sign of PE too

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 16:02

Sorry everyone X posts there...had a look and there were loads of repliesShock

mama I only meant it lightheartedly as this friend is quite well known for panicking over every little niggle, but having read these replies I am taking it seriously Blush

bonjour & Cristiane

Shock Its not that I'm being laid back about it, I honestly didnt realise I should be so worried Blush. I certainly wouldnt mess about when it comes to the welfare of my DCs! I'm just the sort of person that unless something hits me square in the face I don't flap about it. Have 3 DDs, one with severe health problems and I will admit that if they are ill I'm so fast to act, but tend not to be so hasty when it comes to myself. Please don't take it that I am mucking about with my health, I just don't panic unless I have good reason. (I was struggling to breathe & coughing up blood 3 days postnatally with DD3 before I realised that actually I had felt unwell for quite a while but was so wrapped up in caring for my new baby Blush...it was Pulmonary Embolism Shock)

And YES I have an appointment with the nurse in an hour!!! Had already booked it when I posted.

Cristiane dont worry, I dont think you sounded harsh Smile

bonjour & anyone else, have you had personal experience of PE?

God I do feel a bit daft now for being so relaxed about it Blush

OP posts:
Cristiane · 16/02/2011 16:06

Glad to hear it! Only experience i have is from listening to the archers!

Once when pg with dd2 I got spots in my vision and the midwife was very worried, had to com me in and see her, but all was fine.

Please report back and let us know how you are. And i am sure you are a wonderful mother!

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 16:09

Grin well I wouldnt win any awards but I try my best Grin

will pop back on and let you know when I've seen the nurse! fingers crossed Hmm

OP posts:
mamadiva · 16/02/2011 16:11

Hope all goes well but better to get checked out anyway :)

FWIW I wish I could have been more laid back in my pregnancy... I usedd to go around shoving my bump every now and again so I would feel LO shift to make sure DS was moving Blush:o

Cristiane · 16/02/2011 16:11

Good luck with it

Do you know what flavour you are having?

Lulumaam · 16/02/2011 16:14

sure you'll be monitored and checked and be sent home, but with the symptoms you've reported, we'd be daft to tell you not to worry !

Let us know how you can get on Smile

Original poster
clouiseg · 16/02/2011 16:16

Awww thanks all Grin

And I'm having a blueberry flavour Grin!!

After 3 Strawberries I'm very happy but a little nervous as everything in our house is pink for the girls Shock

OP posts:
Cristiane · 16/02/2011 16:17

How exciting! Lucky boy with three big sisters

FannyFifer · 16/02/2011 16:26

Had PET on both pregnancies, glad you are going to get checked as you have pretty much all the symtoms.
Protein, bp+, swelling, headache, upper gi pain.

Can come on pretty suddenly.

Cristiane · 16/02/2011 17:52

Just checking in ti see if you're back clouiseg?

BonjourIvresse · 16/02/2011 18:27

I had PE and Hellp which came on suddenly at 41 weeks after having low bp for most of my pregnancy. I nearly died, ds was fine ( little bugger)

mawoo · 16/02/2011 18:36

I hope that they have got you well monitored now. I completely agree with all the advice posted. Anyone can get PE suddenly, and starting from a lower BP the effects can be much more traumatic.
Keep BP regularly monitored, keep stress down to a minimum and watch out for sudden swelling (important) of ankles or wrists.
All the best.