27 weeks told I'm highly likely to develop Pre eclampsia...

[jessicat1989]

Hiya ladies
So here's the deal. I'm 27+3 with my first baby (little boy!! ??) and have had what feels like a fairly complicated pregnancy so far!

I had been put on 75mg of asprin at 12 weeks due to my BMI and the fact it's my first pregnancy and this was to try and prevent preeclampsia. At 16 weeks I was admitted to hospital by my midwife with high blood pressure (around 150/110) put on Labetalol, and refered to a consultant. I'm having growth scans every 4 weeks and at the 25 week scan, baby was measuring exactly as he should be.

Today at a routine BP and urine check it was +protein. The consultant panicked and sent my sample for urgent tests to determine if it was preeclampsia rearing it's ugly head. It turns out it came back fine, but the consultant then said that he feels I am very likely to get preeclampsia.. he said its like they're just "waiting for it to happen"
I asked what would happened if/when I develop it, and he said hospitalisation, and regular scans, until they have to deliver baby. He said "If you can get to 34 weeks that's a nice time, but it would have to be c - section"

I guess what I'm asking here is if anyone on here has found themselves in a similar situation? I'm worried, I have 7 weeks left until I hit that 34 week milestone, what if I don't make it that far :/ and what if baby isn't ready ?

Am I being over panicy? Should I just let the pros get on with it and trust they know their stuff lol?!

I know it's scary but it sounds like you're being well looked after. Please try to relax and not worry.

If it helps I know a baby born by emcs at 28 weeks because this was when mum's pre-eclampsia was first spotted. All a big emergency but she is now a healthy 2 year old.

As much as it's best for baby to be inside as long as possible, outcomes for preemies are very good now.

Can't begin to imagine the worry your going through. If they suspected pre-eclampsia they would have you hospitalised and unless it was an emergency they would leave him in there to cook for aslong as they could. You'd be given steroids for his lungs so he'd be as prepared for life as he could be. Sounds like you have a great medical team who are keeping you informed so try and relax

I can't knock the care I'm bring given. I'm having weekly (if not more!) Appointments between consultants and community midwife so really do feel well looked afteR.
I'd feel much happier if I could make it to 36 weeks before they decide to get him out.. I dunno why but it just seems like he'll be so much more done by then.

I'm just gonna go with the flow and try to relax. From Google searches it doesn't seem 34 is that drastic really with alot of people talking of babies in NICU for just two or three days before going home.

Pregnancy is sucheck a worry and because I think having siblings is so important, ill have to do it all again!!! Doh lol x

Someone DH works with went through this very recently. She was hospitalised very early (I think around 26 weeks) and the baby had to be delivered then.

Both she and baby are now completely fine.

I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you to go through but like pp have said it sounds like you're in good hands and that the medical staff are keeping a close eye on you.

All the best op

I'm so sorry your going through this. I developed eclampsia and DD was delivered by EMCS at 26+4. She is now 3 years old with no problem and is currently moaning because I don't want to watch Ben and Holly!!

It sounds like you are receiving great care, but wanted to say that if you don't make it to 34 weeks, chances are it will still all be OK.

Sending :)

Its highly unlikely that the consultant panicked. Pre eclampsia is a serious illness, but ensuring its detected early and treated appropriately is the point of such healthcare workers.
i had pre eclampsia. i didn't know it at at the time but there is a strong family history of it. The professionals are there to take care of you and your baby. Thats the point of the nhs.
i might come across as being a bit cold, but only because it has recalled my own time. it will be fine, fingers and toes crossed for you. stay well

DC1 - Eclampsia (the stage after Pre-eclampsia) seizures in labour. Absolutely no warning it was going to happen.
Exactly 40 weeks, weighing 9lb.

DC2 - pre-eclampsia at 26 weeks, despite being on labetalol and methyldopa - thankfully DD stayed in there until 38 weeks when she was born by ELCS perfectly healthy weighing 8lb 2oz.

DC3 - due July, currently on aspirin and methyldopa, new partner so risks are higher, booked in for a c-section at 38 weeks. So far so good.

The only advice I can give from my own experience is to really look after yourself! Avoid stress at all costs, keep salt OUT of your diet, avoid salty meats, takeaways and anything else that is unhealthy. Gosh I know how hard that is, because I love my food, but all you can do is try and keep as healthy as possible, do gentle excercise and really look after yourself.

It may well get you anyway, there really is no way to know, but remember the worry of it all won't help

I'm the mum of a 13yr old who was born at 32 weeks by c-section due to pre-eclampsia. 36 weeks was the ideal, and I would have been induced at that point, but we didn't make it. 36 weeks because, I believe, they are considered close enough to term to be ok. HOWEVER that doesn't mean before is not good. Ds spent 5 weeks in special care, came home 3 weeks before his due date and is fine .

The advice I would give myself in hindsight, and thus you, is to A) ask about the steroid injections. These will mature your babies lungs and help if they are born early. B) ask to see the neonatal unit/special care unit. There are lots of machines, incubators, it looks and seems very scary, although you soon get used to it. Go and see it if at all possible, so your first experience of it isn't seeing your baby there. C) know the symptoms - puffy/swollen parts of your body, visual disturbances, headaches, (I cant remember if there are others) and alert a medical professional if these happen. D) relax, trust in the doctors and listen if those around you raise concerns about symptoms e.g. your hands/face/legs appearing puffier than normal. Hard, I know, especially the first, but try. The fact that you are having such a close eye being kept on you should be reassuring and means that any changes should be detected quickly.

As I say, I'm 13 yrs down the line, but if you want to talk, am happy to.

My baby came early at 31 weeks as a result of severe pre eclampsia and hellp syndrome. My no was over 200/140 and my liver kidneys and blood platelets were failing. I didn't realise how unwell I was until it was almost too late. I went from feeling mildly inconvenienced that I needed extra monitoring to being critically ill. I'm not trying to scare you, just to help you understand that if you need monitoring at the dau or need extra scans or meds even if you feel we'll not to miss these appointments as pre eclampsia can turn suddenly into something dangerous. Eclampsia actually means bolt from the blue.

A 34 weeker would need to be in hospital for more than a couple of days more likely 2-3 weeks. However unlikely to have serious issues without underlying problems.

I developed this very quickly. On the Friday mildly high BP but by Monday +++protein in urine, BP was ok but liver failing. DS was born at 35 weeks and I was induced so no c-section.

I got the steroids for his lungs and he was I'm hospital for 2 weeks. Thankfully no health problems, just had to be tube fed as too small to suck (under 4lb).

I was in hospital for 4 days as liver was still a problem but I was discharged when I promised I'd go to gp for regular tests and was going to be at the hospital anyway to see DS.

Autumn - trust me it was literally a bolt from the blue!