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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Pre-eclampsia - will they induce me?

27 replies

JessicaAnne · 21/03/2011 11:51

My GP picked up on high BP a couple of weeks ago along with a bit of swelling in my ankles. Asked me to come back for anoter BP check the following week (Thurs), a trainee said my BP was back to normal...(wasn't convinced as I had high BP in Feb too).

By Saturday I had clown feet and was admitted to hospital. BP checked at its highest 160/98 (early pregnany I was 100/60).
Stayed overnight and been prescribed pills to lower my BP, it as gone down but last read was starting to creep back up again.

Have to go to the hospital tomorrow and Thurs to get it checked again.

I'm 36+3, what are the chances of me being induced? x

OP posts:
barmbrack · 21/03/2011 11:54

I went in to the docs at 36 wks (with twins) with pre-eclampsia and was admitted to the hospital the same day. Has a c-section at 37+3.

I would think you are likely to be admitted and monitored. They'll leave induction as late as they can.

Best of luck.

OutrageousFlavourLikeFreesias · 21/03/2011 12:00

I was admitted at 35+4 with high BP and swelling. When they started to find protein in my urine they went for an emergency C-section at 36+4. DD was tiny but healthy and we were both released five days later.

If I were you I'd plan and expect to be admitted, and to remain in until your baby is born. They may send you home but I wouldn't expect it.

Very best of luck. It's not nice, but try and remember that you (like me) are lucky to have had it picked up!

VivaLeBeaver · 21/03/2011 12:05

They won't want to induce you before 39/40 unless they can't control your BP or your bloods are very deranged. They may want to admit and monitor you, they may adjust/change your medication. Even at 39/40 they will leave you if they can control your BP, you don't have proteinurea and your bloods are ok.

I take it you've had your bloods taken? Were they OK?

vickibee · 21/03/2011 12:05

I was induced at about 37 weeks following a few weeks of high BP. It was a relief tbh because I had been on the ward on and off for several weeks which was a nightmare. This late in the term there is nothing to worry about just a smaller baby. It is more dangerous to both Mother £ baby to leave it

Original poster
JessicaAnne · 21/03/2011 12:11

Bloods come back fine, urine sample was +blood +protein,

Although they tell me what has happened, I'm still confused! Confused

Never had to stay overnight in hospital before, trust me to have a snorer in my room!!

Thanks for your advice x

OP posts:
VivaLeBeaver · 21/03/2011 12:16

If your bloods have come back OK then is less serious so thats good news. They may want to collect your wee for 24 hours to do a 24hr protein test. It gives a good picture of how much protein you're kicking out over a day.

I know that 37 weeks is considered full term but there are risks associated with babies been born before 39 weeks. A labour starting spontaneously at 37 or 38 weeks is different to inducing you so the Drs like to wait and see for as long as its safe to do so.

Its not true to say its safer to mother and baby to induce, its very different on a case by case basis. Good luck.

YogaMummy2B · 21/03/2011 12:47

I'm in exactly the same position just at 38 weeks. Admitted overnight at 36 + weeks and put on medication. Bloods came back fine but urine had white blood cells and protein. Drank loads of water overnight as they did 24 urine analysis and the next day no WBC or protein. Apparently that can just happen, esp. If you have a little bit of a UTI.
Having BP measured every 2 days. Back to the hospital on Thurs of this week for consultant appt, will let you know what they suggest at that if interested.
I'm drinking gallons of water everday to ensure kidneys all flushed through and relaxing more than I would normally care to do.
Good luck and try not to stress, it is very difficult as you so want everything to be OK.

Mellowfruitfulness · 21/03/2011 12:56

Yes, good luck. I hope it all goes well for you.

I had pre-eclampsia with my third and was induced at 37/38 weeks. Everything went well, and my baby was perfect, if a little smaller than the others.

He's now a tall, healthy footballer, so once again a big thank you to our wonderful NHS! You are in good hands, and all the best of luck.

Fantail · 21/03/2011 15:24

I spent just under 2 weeks in hospital before being induced with DD at 36 weeks exactly. They induced because my bloods were worsening. If you want to do some reading on prefered treatment for pre-eclampsia, have a look at the NICE guidelines. The consultants were of the view that a c-section was not necessary unless I or baby rapidly deteriorated and there was no time for an induction.

DD was happy as Larry. She was born 9 hours after induction started and 5 hours after my waters broke. She was a healthy weight and at 3 weeks is doing well.

Interestingly, I was also told on a number of occasions that women with PE often have quick labours as their body's are already "soft". Certainly true in my case.

ecuse · 21/03/2011 17:06

No advice to offer, unfortunately, but I'll be watching this thread with interest. My blood pressure was up at my last antenatal appointment on Friday (140/100 and 146/111). Went to hospital to be checked yesterday and it was up again at 177/100. However both days I had urine and blood taken and both were negative, so no diagnosis of PE (yet?).

They gave me a tablet to reduce my blood pressure, which it did in about half an hour, to 136/70 which is about normal for me, so they discharged me.

Now apparently I've got to go back to have BP monitored twice a week and they'll be looking to see whether it does back up or stays low, and whether I develop full-blown PE, I think.

I am gloomily starting to think I can kiss my plan to give birth on the MLU in water goodbye ... Sad

YogaMummy2B · 21/03/2011 23:12

Oh ecuse I hope you don't have to. I had to deal with the fact that I would not be allowed a water birth about 2 weeks ago and was totally distraught. But the main thing is that you and baby are in good health.
I was sent back to hospital for monitoring today after MW called and BP elevated. Went in and was discharged 2 hours later and told to see MW next week (by that stage I'll be 39+ weeks.
They didn't realise that I already had appt for this week. It looks like if bloods are fine you will at least get to 40 weeks. Still let's see what is said on Thurs.
I'm doing all I can to ask baby to come NOW!! All natural labour inducing techniques are being employed!!

theressomethingaboutmarie · 22/03/2011 08:07

I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks and admitted to hospital as my BP was very high. They controlled it with medication and told me that within a week (either naturally or via induction), my baby would be born. They released me 5 days later as BP was under control. Within 2 days, baby arrived naturally (i.e. no induction). She was a little thing at 5lbs 6ozs and so we had to stay in for a couple of days. After that, all fine and dandy.

theressomethingaboutmarie · 22/03/2011 08:07

Oh and my labour lasted 4 hours so was very lucky in that regard.

Original poster
JessicaAnne · 22/03/2011 09:23

It's great to hear that all the babies have been born healthy :)

Due have my checks done midday so I will know whether the BP tablets are working.

ecuse, i feel the same about the birthing plan - I wanted the birth suite where they allow you home after 6 hours, chances are slimming every time that BP machine gets near!

Couldn't sleep last night worrying they would keep me in again like last time and I had nothing with me (the nightie could have fit 3 of me in)! So I have packed some essentials just in case x

OP posts:
LawrieMarlow · 22/03/2011 09:29

With DS I started getting high blood pressure about 34 weeks. I had at home monitoring, got protein in my urine etc. Every time my blood pressure went over about 95 in the lower number off I was sent to hospital. From 35 weeks I was in and out of hospital - did two (at least) 24 hour urine collections, was on various medication, had scans, had lots of blood pressure taken. Would get back home for a couple of days and then in again. I was in from about 37+5 until he was born at 38+3. That was early on the Saturday morning - on the Thursday (so at 38+1) I was told I would be induced on the Saturday but then waters broke on the Friday and he was born on Saturday.

I would be prepared for anything and make sure you have lots of things to keep you occupied.

LawrieMarlow · 22/03/2011 09:31

DS was fine by the way - only weighed 6lb 1oz which was quite small and I think due to the pre-eclampsia, but at 7 he is still a skinny thing Grin

Original poster
JessicaAnne · 23/03/2011 10:53

BP stabilized on the meds!! More checks on Thursday and will get a decision then if I'm going to be induced.

Still have the protein in my urine, does that stay there anyway? x

OP posts:
YogaMummy2B · 23/03/2011 12:08

Hi JA I still have protein in my urine too, was at the hospital on Monday and they reckoned it was very normal in the later stages of pregnancy.
Give an update after Thursday, I'm in tomorrow too!

ecuse · 23/03/2011 12:20

That's really good news, JA. Keeping my fingers crossed for you and YM2B. I still have the high BP but no protein and bloods are OK so I have a diagnosis of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. Started on medication yesterday to control it, have to see the consultant on Friday to review whether it's working, and I think I should know more then about whether I can carry on as normal or they want to induce.

AlpinePony · 23/03/2011 13:07

Good luck Jessica. I just wanted to say I'm another pre-eclampsia survivor. Admitted to hospital at 36+3 and told I wasn't going home without a baby! Shock Induced at 36+5, problems, emcs. He was 5lbs 10oz and spent 2 nights in SCBU but perfectly healthy otherwise. :)

Original poster
JessicaAnne · 24/03/2011 20:04

Horror!!

Went for my second check up today, had a scan - baby is coming along nicely, currently weighing about 6 pound. BP still settled but I'm having a membrane sweep in a week :( Not too pleased, I was really hoping if my BP remained stable I would be in for au natural! If the sweep doesn't work, I'm being induced on the Monday.

I knew at some point someone would have to see up my flower but I'm horrified someone will be poking around up there!! I know your all wondering 'how did she ever manage to get pregnant' lol.

Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad there are others in this position too (I wouldn't wish this on anyone though) x

OP posts:
YogaMummy2B · 25/03/2011 10:21

Hi all, I was at hospital yesterday and have been advised that I need monitored closely for the next couple of weeks to make sure things don't spike further but at this point I am being left to go into spontaneous labour.

Jessica have they checked your placenta and blood flow etc? If this is not compromised and there is no danger to you or baby you are perfectly within your rights to request close monitoring and try and delay being induced.

Good luck with the 'flower arranging!!!' keep us informed.

AlpinePony · 25/03/2011 10:24

jessica Trust me, once it all starts kicking off you won't give a fuck. As I was marching down the corridor to the loo whilst having contrations and with my boyfriend holding my "yellow handbag", he said "everyone can see your minge". I roared at him "I don't give a flying fuck who sees my minge!".

After the c-section the nurses were cleaning me up between my legs.

That's all find and dandy for about 48 hours but I'm a prude again now! Wink

Original poster
JessicaAnne · 28/03/2011 16:19

Hi!

Just had an appointment with my midwife before the sweep, BP is starting to slide up again... at 130/80 today from 120/60 Thurday. I feel like Miss Paranoia with checking if it is ideal or not!

She told me to try and get things started myself e.g sex... but missed the part where I need someone to do it with!!! - I don't really fancy using a cucumber to get things going haha.

YogaMummy2B - bit happier that they are going to get things going, midwife said it would be better to start things off incase the baby's health starts to decline and I will end up with an emergency c-section.

AlpinePony - nice to hear I'm not the only one and you declare yourself a prude again now x

OP posts:
Pootletrinket · 28/03/2011 16:25

Good luck - read a thread on here yesterday about evening primrose capsules (inserted) can help as they also have prostoglandins in.....I do have a partner, but not sure I'd want to resort to sex as I've not felt like it all pregnancy recenty!