High BP - probable early delivery - positive experiences??

[NorthernGirlie]

Hi all

Just after a bit of advice / experience... I'm 32 weeks with first pg.

I've had high BP (150/112) throughout my pg and have been monitored as a result - don't want to drip feed - I usually avoid the doctors like the plague so have nothing to compare this to really, not sure what is normal bp pre pregnancy for me but we do have high bp in the family.

I'm now on high meds (12 x 100 labetalol and 3 x 250 mthyldopa per day) but it's still not stabilising.

I saw the consultant yesterday and she's said I have to go Monday and Tues for monitoring and that they're going to give me steroids to aid baby's lungs as although they're 'hoping to avoid delivery in the next 4 weeks, it's probable that won't be possible'.

I'm terrified - I'm usually super laid back and take everything as it comes but it was a massive shock and talking about having my baby in the next couple of weeks made me really emotional!

We're also in the middle of a major renovation at home and nothing is ready! We're concentrating on the room us and the baby will be sleeping in so hopefully can finish that at the weekend but obviously that adds to the panic!

Just after any experience / advice really - I asked if there was anything i could do to help avoid the baby having to come early (other than taking my meds) and the only thing was to avoid salty foods (which I do anyway).

I know that the baby is practically 'cooked' now and that a few weeks early isn't too bad but realistically what does it involve - scbu? Could I have a normal delivery?

Sorry for the long post - I'm rambling I know!

Don't panic and also don't worry no-one is ever ready to have their baby even the most organised of households a baby is a major change to your life and there is no getting round this.

I to had a high BP in my first pregnancy and took labetalol I was taken into hopsital at 33.5 and delivered at 36.3 after induction. IT wasn't that bad I had injections to develop the lungs etc and DS is now a wonderful 2.6 toddler running round like a loon. I am also 25 weeks pregnant with DC2 and would gladly trust my consultant again.

Thank you so much for the reply ? I feel like I?ve gotten my head around the situation now and feel a bit calmer today. To be honest, because I feel fine I?ve kind of not paid too much importance to my bp even when they?ve said it?s too high / there is a risk of fitting etc? You?ve calmed me down lots, off to the midwife this afternoon to discuss things further. Thanks again!

Girlie, if it helps, I was born by EMCS at 32 weeks due to my mum having pre-eclampsia. I weighed a pretty decent 3 lbs! I only stayed in an incubator for 24 hours and was home within a month - no need for ventilation etc. 38 (ahem) years on, I am hale and hearty.

dd1 born at 35 weeks 4 pound 7 for pre eclampsia, no special care time, breastfed from birth, happy and healthy at school now. The important thing is that health care team are on top of it. Good luck don't worry the baby wont notice the renovations. Internet shopping from hospital bed was how we got all out stuff :)