Paranoid? Pre-eclampsia

[MarvellousYou]

Hello ladies, I've had protein in my urine for two weeks now, done a 24hr urine test and take my blood pressure at home (not sure how reliable these machines are) if I feel a bit 'weird'. Normally I'm just overdoing it (running around after my two pre-schoolers).

The midwife came out yesterday (I couldn't get to the birth centre) to check BP and it was 'fine', protein +1, swelling in hands. Results not back from 24hr PCR. My BP today has been 150/79 and 138/86 (home BP machine). I feel like I'm driving myself crazy, its like I'm waiting for something bad to happen!

I'm 30 weeks and have had protein I'm my urine in my other two pregnancies, horrendous swelling but my BP is always 'fine', it might sound awful but when the midwife says my BP is 'fine' I almost feel disappointed as I feel like crap. I've got 9 weeks to go yet.

Please tell me chill out before I give myself high blood pressure from stressing!

Hello 8marvellous* - ok, i'll start with chillout! as there's nothing else you can really do...put your feet up to help the swelling in your feet, work from home a bit if you can, have nice baths and early nights and generally look after yourself.

I'm 35 weeks and have been having a very similar experience - been monitored for PE twice due to massive swelling of hands and feet (plus carpal tunnel) , some proteins, bit of blurry eyes and a few headaches, but BP great each time. Just gota take it easy and MW recommended putting hands and feet in hot water then cold water to help the carpal tunnel.

Just keep an eye on yourself and get checked out if any symptoms do get suddenly worse. But maybe keep taking your BP might not he helping. If you were showing signs they'd jump on it right away as they're are so cautious. So try to chill and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

HTH

Hi there, I had high blood pressure during my last pregnancy, and they always said it was 'fine' if it the bottom number was below 90 (I would have been delighted with 79 and 86, if it helps!). I can relate to how crazy-making and stressful it can be to be constantly wondering if all is OK.

But worrying and panicking could also be making you feel weird. Are you near your doctor's surgery? Mine has a blood pressure machine that you can just go and use, popping in to get a reading every few days might put your mind at rest. I'm sure your home one is reliable though.

Sending you hugs x

Thanks growyourown, I thought there might be others! Definitely right about the BP machine- not sure it is all that helpful. So many people say they didn't know they were getting worse, maybe I need to just relax and trust it will be picked up, if anything does develop.

I think the health worries are a side effect of being so impatient to meet the new baby and I'm not a fan of being so tired looking after my boys- they are bouncing off the walls if they don't get out and about. Thanks again, hope things go well for you over the last weeks of pregnancy x

Thanks bunchofposy, I think I've been stuck indoors for far too long. DS's have been very poorly and they're still recovering. I said this time I would make the most of the 3rd trimester as it has always revolved around urine samples! I think this is going to be our last addition to our family so I want to stop fretting and enjoy!

Hi marvellousyou
I'm 38w with PFB and was diagnosed with PE at 36w
I'm being seen 2/3 times a week to monitor BP, protein and bloods and have an induction booked for 40w, unless symptoms progress further in which case it will be brought forward.

The Doctor said that careful monitoring is all they can do - and things can change day to day even hour to hour.

You know your body best so don't be afraid to call your midwife or day unit if you have any concerns and don't be nervous about going in to get checked out!
Feel better and look after yourself :)

The constant monitoring and worrying is awful isn't it. I was constantly being asked if I had a headache or blurry eyes, so much so that I developed a splitting headache from the stress of wondering if I did! Ironically when I did then call someone about that, they told me to take two paracetamol and go for a walk!

Don't worry about how much you are enjoying the pg - I know we are all supposed to be swanning around blooming (ha!) but just take each day as it comes.
x

I'm another PE paranoid! Although in fairness to myself I did get severe PE in my 1st pregnancy, at 28 weeks & without symptoms.

I'm 31+5 & am on weekly checks. One thing I have consistently noticed is that my readings are always higher on the electronic monitors than they are manually - maybe worth a manual check?

Hope it turns out to be nothing x

Thanks lotsofcheese I've come back on here as midwife rang again today and they want to see me every other day for checks, think my PCR results must be back. I've had headaches but nothing that hasn't gone away with paracetamol. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.