Pregnancy after preeclampsia in first?

[TheGrinchWearsStripes]

Hello!
I just wanted to know if anyone had experience of a pregnancy after having had preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome with their first? I developed both at about 29 weeks and had my DS by c-section at 31 weeks as my bp was through the roof and my platelet count was dropping by the hour. It was all pretty horrendous, and DS was in NICU for a month (i was in for 8 days). We were incredibly lucky in that he recovered quickly, has never been re admitted, and is developmentally at real age now at 22 months (i.e tearing the house down!!). I took a bit longer to recover but have been off bp medication for over a year.
So we feel recovered enough to think about a second now, but I guess naturally, we are a bit apprehensive. So has anyone any advice/experiences to share? Were you monitored earlier and/or more? Did you go to term? How did you manage anxiety levels, both for you and for your DP?
I would really appreciate any thoughts.

Hello Grinch - you've had some great responses already but I just wanted to add my thoughts too. I had PE and HELLP with DD who is now almost 3 years old. It was picked up when I was 31 weeks - I had to go straight to hospital from the GP surgery and was not allowed home. I was induced at 32 weeks, but ended up with an emergency section after a placental abruption. Turns out DD had IUGR too and was born weighing 2lb 10oz. She was in SCBU for 5 weeks and I was in for another 2 weeks as I was really unwell and had lost an awful lot of blood.

It took me a long time to get over both mentally and physically. DD is thankfully absolutely fine and bang on where she should be for her age both in terms of size and development.

DH and I have taken the decision not to have any more DC's. We nearly lost DD due to the abruption and came pretty close to losing me too. For us, we just didn't want to take the risk again, but it's such a personal decision. It sounds like you're there with your decision though from your OP - you feel recovered enough to consider another, which is just somewhere we can't get to.

best of luck with whatever you decide to do - I'm sure it will be right for your family.

Induced, at 32 weeks? I'm sorry but i would have thought hat was somewhat irresponsible of your healthcare professionals! I'm not sure how they figured that was going to end well- i know in my hospital the rule is pretty much always EMCS pre 37 weeks, i only know this because i discussed it with them a few week ago when i had temporarily high BP at 36 weeks. It is case-by-case post 37 weeks but virtually always section pre then, as the likelihood is so so high it woudl end in a section.. Anyway, i digress.. Sorry that you had to go through all of that. Can understand why you have taken the decision you have as a result!

Lord, that's awful shoop that they made you labor. I know some pcts do - I am so thankful that mine was not one of them. I absolutely understand your decision and it's wonderful to hear that your dd is doing so well. [thank

I was going to be induced but only if I'd made it to 32 weeks. The hospital said that they don't induce before 32 but often do after 32 weeks. Also, my DS had a poor heart trace so they wouldn't have risked induction because of that either. They know what they're doing!

Hiya
Im currently 33 weeks pregnant and had severe preeclampsia with dd1. I didn't know what to expect with this pregnancy and have been nervous about getting preeclampsia again but have had nothing but brilliant care and felt very well looked after. Iv had quite a few growth scans and baby seems small but perfectly fine and so far so good, no high blood pressure or protein. Im having a c section at 39 weeks due to the really horrendous experience iv had first time around, but feel quite frightened by it all to be honest. Im seeing my midwife twice a week for blood pressure and protein checks and consultant every week too, so three times a week in total. Would love to keep this thread running to see how we all get on and share our experiences :)

polka it would indeed be nice! It's so good to hear from others who understand the experience - I've never met someone who had HELLP in real life.
33 weeks - you're getting close!

Yes iv never met anyone either whos had preeclampsia or hellp so would be great if we could keep this updated with how we all get on :) Its getting so close now, and everything so far has been fine so fingers crossed it stays that way. Im getting more nervous as the weeks go on but im also thinking to myself every week longer is better for baby too. Plus im in the middle of moving house so I have that to keep me busy!

What is it with us all that we move in the last stages of pregnancy! I did too - although since BG was early, I was in hospital and DH had to do it. Got a bit fraught when the removal van couldn't get to the new house because the olympic torch relay was meandering by!

O no sounds like a nightmare! Me, dh and my dad are doing it between us, with my mum having dd1. I will be 35 almost 36 by the time im moved in so will only have 2-3 weeks and baby will be here! Last time I was moving too, funnily enough and in hospital, and was a complete nightmare, didn't help dh is colourblind and thought pink was red and I ended up with a pink living room haha

It sounds like you are ready to give it a go grinch!
Your gp should have nothing to do with the pregnancy - it will be your midwife and the consultants.
Good luck!