health problems in pregnancy - are there any midwifes or medical people who can advise

[lunavix]

I'm 18 weeks pregnant this saturday, and while I've had a few problems I'm starting to worry a little. I'm going to see the doctor tomorrow but I'm feeling a little unsure as they seem to try and fob me off the first few times, then stress and say it's serious after a few.

I've been badly sick since the start, and have just about escaped hospitalization. I've been prescribed buccastem for the sickness, but am not really taking it as it's eased off a little, and it wasn't really helping.

A few weeks ago I collapsed when out.. got all hot and dizzy then just fainted. Noone seemed particularly worried, although the doctor put it down to the eating which has since improved.

I've also had a prescription for codeine as I can't take paracetamol for headaches and other pain. Plus the doctor diagnosed a UTI and I've got amoxycillin.

I started bleeding for the third time friday (red instead of brown this time, sorry if tmi!) and as it was quite bad doctor decided I needed a scan. After being raced to hospital I was fobbed off with hearing the heartbeat as apparently you can't tell anything from a scan this early (17 weeks) which I've since heard is rubbish.

I'm still bleeding on and off but it's brown now... I think I'm feeling movement but uncertain.

Sunday when out I suddenly came over faint again so had to sit. I felt dreadful all day sunday, and today I've been dizzy all day, even when sitting. I have a shocking migraine, and feel sick lethargic and completely not hungry.

I don't know what to do, I'm just scared that I'll be fobbed off again. I don't think I've bled enough for blood loss to be an issue, a friend thinks there may be a link between me taking codeine and feeling dizzy.. but I've taken it on and off and it's only these three times that I've felt terribly faint.

I'm really despairing at the moment... I'm too scared to leave the house cos when I do I feel dizzy... has anyone got any ideas or if I'm told 'it's just normal' is that true?

lunavix - i'm not medical but just wanted to say that I suffered dreadfully with fainting/dizzy spells/nausea during the middle part of my third pregnancy. I passed out several times when I got up, a couple of times during the night when dh was at work which was very scary. Mine was due to a combination of low blood pressure and anaemia.

I'm sorry I can't reassure you more about the bleeding or the codeine.

Hope you feel better soon and that the doctor can put your mind at rest.

Lunavix, Sorry to hear you've been feeling so unwell. I'm glad you're going to see the doctor tomorrow. Is this your GP or a doctor more connected with pregancy. I can't believe the hospital fobbed you off without giving you a scan. It does sound very much like low blood pressure but you can never be too sure - I hope you get some satisfaction tomorrow.

you poor thing. all i can suggest is that you make a list of what you want to say to the doc tomorrow and be really clear about what result you want from him/her. Don't let them fob you off. If you want a scan, insist on one. If you want a blood test done, insist on one. Remember you are the customer here!

Wishing you lots of good luck and hope you feel better soon

Can't help you luna but just wanted to say sorry to hear you're still having a crappy time.
Hope they take it seriously tomorrow - good luck
Olivo x

Oh Lunavix,
So sorry things are still bad for you.

Try to be strong at the Drs and not allow them to fob you off - easier said than done I know - bit as one of the other MNers said, write down what you want to say - I take a list everytime I go to the consultant or GP.

Do you know whether you have low blood pressure? I used to faint with low BP during a previous pregnancy when I was out but only when I stood still eg at a checkout or some other queue but I see you also mention it when you are sitting down. Ask the GP to check your BP and also to check side effects of all your medications. Maybe also a blood test to check for Anaemia? I've been bleeding fairly heavily for the past 5+ weeks and aren't having the effects you are describing so maybe your HB count was low to start with? I know a UTI can make you feel rough - how long have you been on the antibiotics? maybe they aren't working to combat it or you might need a follow up course?

sorry, I've nothing profound to say but wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and hope everyones suggestions give you confidence to face the GP tomorrow. Maybe you could take a friend with you for support?

Take care, rest as much as possible, best wishes

I was very dizzy and faint in the middle of my pregnancy - to the point that I gave up driving for a while because I didn't trust myself. One warm day, my blood pressure was down to 90-something over 45 and I felt terrible. This isn't entirely unusual, I think, and is certainly better than high blood pressure.

Re: the bleeding. It's rubbish that they can't scan you. At early pregnancy units, I've had scans at about six weeks.

Thanks everyone.

My lovely doctor told me it was low blood pressure (VERY low though) and to rest. He agreed I've been fobbed off. Sadly he's now on sabbatical for the next three months :(