Can someone please talk me down as I've spent all day worrying and thinking too much!

[edwardcullensotherwoman]

I'm 30+4, had my 28 week bloods last week (a bit late). Anyway, MW rang me Wednesday to say my bloods showed that I need iron tablets for the next 9 weeks, and that I need a FBC re-done as my platelet count was low. As a result of the platelet count ANC have also asked me to attend an additional appointment to discuss it with my consultant.

I decided to google low platelets and anaemia (I know, I know) and came up with HELLP, which I meet all bar one of the risk factors for. So I looked into the other symptoms - I've noticed some fluid retention around my ankles, had one really high BP reading this morning (did another 4 through the day which were all normal), and had one pulse rate of 102 today (again, the ones measured with my BP were fine.)

So I clearly haven't got HELLP, but do you think my brain will register this?? No, it just keeps hopping back to that one high reading (the only one, ever, in any pregnancy!). This morning I felt dreadful when I got up, really sick and lethargic and not really with it, so I probably put the cuff on my wrist too tight which is why it read high.

Thank you if you got this far, it feels good to get it all out in the open (without sounding a complete hypochondriac, I moan A LOT due to SPD and I currently have a really bad cough, so I'm trying to curb the whinging to poor DH! )

Your BP and HB can zigzag up and down wildly in late pregnancy - if it's a one off then it's more likely to be stress than anything. If you're worried ring the 24hr mw line (mine operates out of the local labour ward) repeat what you put here and a HCP will be able to put your mind at rest of offer a check up tomorrow. :)

102 isn't even a pounding rushing hb either! :) It's high but 'normal frightened person' high. I managed that by myself in the local clinic cause I'm scared of Drs! It then went down when i calmed down, and the Dr said that was the key thing - it responded to my mood, rather than just rushing.

Thanks squizita , that's exactly the sense I needed talked into me! I just didn't want to bother the midwife/ward when I know I'm being silly

102 was a pounding pulse to me tbh, my usual at the moment is around 75, my non-pg pulse rate is more like 50

You will never see a nurse or doctor check a blood pressure using a wrist monitor - they are just not accurate, so your high reading is unlikely to be real - especially if all others have been fine.
Pulse of around 100 in pregnancy can be very normal as well, especially if you're not feeling relaxed. My pre-preganancy pulse was around 50-60, but now it's around 80 at rest, and if I do the slightest thing or get a little bit anxious, it's 100-110.
The best indicator of how well you are is how you feel. If you have pain or feel unwell, call the midwife for advice. If you're feeling better, don't worry - you almost definitely won't have HELLP!