Blood pressure creeping up

[pepperfish]

Hi all,

At 32 weeks and my blood pressure is gradually creeping up. It was 140/88 on Monday visit (previous visit was 120/80). My midwife has said if it stays the same or goes up at next visit in a weeks time I'll be put on medication and advised to leave work early. I really don't want to do either of these things if I can avoid it! I feel fine and no other problems, just a bit tired.

I will obviously do what I'm advised if it comes to it, but I was wondering if anyone has any tips for helping myself chill out before my next visit? I get quite anxious before doctors visits (white coat syndrome!) and I was definitely feeling it on Monday's visit as I couldn't find a parking space and then was sat waiting in noisy cramped waiting room for 30 mins as they were running late.

I've been listening to hypnobirthing relaxation tapes, getting an early night, keeping up my fluids and having a warm bath before bed.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!

I get white coat hypertension too. They should really attach you to a 24 hour blood pressure monitor before prescribing anything as that will show what your normal day to day blood pressure readings are.

do not worry much, it might have been just one-off. You wrote your blood pressure is creeping up but unless you were regularly monitored, how would you know?

I had always low BS in 110 range and on my last appt it jumped up at 127, I also got protein in urine so I was quite worried. MW said it is only concern if it increases by more than 20. But since then I am monitoring my BP daily and I see it was just one-off, I am still daily in 110 range. So that got me calmed down.

I recommend you keep eye on it daily, if it will return down or remain you will know and can have peace of mind, if it wil increase I think will want to know that also.

My BP has been normal all throughout my pregnancy. Spiked a few weeks ago - been monitored weekly for the last 3 weeks (currently 33+3) but now being monitored every 2 days. Prescribed Labetalol medication for 2 weeks at Consultant appointment yesterday and advised to bring maternity leave early. No protein in urine so just diagnosed as gestational hypotension! Not the outcome I'd hoped for after a first pregnancy with no complications but can't fault the care I've had monitoring it!

I have high blood pressure and in pregnancy have suffered Eclampsia, and pre eclampsia.

I have not ever been told to bring my maternity leave forward?

I am currently on methyldopa (been ok so far, but has crept up slightly)

I'm 23+3 and will be working until due date.

It's only a recommendation, you don't have to stop work but just see how you feel.

Meds will be a good option if it is going up and you may not even need much to control it - so don't panic (that will only make it worse)