Pre-eclampsia or not?

[Secretpassword]

I'm either 38+4 or 39+4 (a whole other issue I'm having with the doctors). This is my 2nd Pregnancy and previously during my 1st pregnancy pre-eclampsia went undiagnosed for 3 weeks until I was 40+3 (date of my CS). I had 2 symptoms; swelling feet and 2+ protein in my urine, my blood pressure spiked up at 40+0 in which case DD was in distress, inhaled meconium, and had 0 FM for +3. I had been neglected any consideration when I showed concern and this ended with myself and DD nearly losing our lives. This time round I have 3 Pre-E symptoms, 2+protein in urine, swelling hands and feet, and flashing lights. FM is fine, bloods came back clear and BP was ok. So I've been sent home and told that everything is just fine. I'm feeling uneasy about everything as this seems like a replay of 1st pregnancy and I don't want to be left and ignored until the last minute and have another close call. I'm scared and anxious and feeling powerless, Any advice??

I am amazed that they're not taking this more seriously given your first pregnancy!

I had hypertension at the end of my first pregnancy which thankfully didn't turn into pre-eclampsia but I'm pregnant again now and my consultant and midwives are all over it.

Second opinion? Can you ask to speak to a consultant?

Also is your BP low because it's being managed with tablets?

I’m no dr but surely if your BP is ok that’s the main thing and means it’s not pre eclampsia? Though obviously you are at higher risk so I would expect them to be keeping a close eye on your BP

My understanding is that the other symptoms can be nothing or can be caused by something else - high BP is the main symptom.

After PE in my first pregnancy I was worried in subsequent ones and every time I had a headache would wonder if my BP was high. I bought a BP monitor off amazon so I could monitor it myself in between appointments or if I felt worried. It was v helpful and meant I picked up an increase in BP so could then book an appointment.

Not taking any meds for BP so no, and my BP was just fine until the last minute before. As for taking it more seriously, tell me about it! I had 2 doctors dealing with me and one of them was extremely difficult to talk to, kind of a 'numbers don't lie' type doctor. I've been having BP and urine tests every 2 weeks but everything has been clear until last Friday. A midwife also informed me that my BP could spike at any minute with pre-E, so I can't understand why they're taking the risk.

Also - remember it is much more common in first pregnancies.
I did not develop it in my subsequent 2, although did have some hypertension which responded well to meds in the second pregnancy and I just about managed with no meds in my 3rd x

What do you want them to do?

First treatment would normally be meds to lower your BP which obviously they can’t do if it’s not high???

I guess ultimate treatment is to induce you but that would seem disproportionate if your BP is not raised?

I think in your position I’d monitor my own BP to put my mind at rest

BP is often the first sign but not always, as with my last pregnancy, I had normal BP until my due date, and they ignored all my other symptoms due to that. I don't know whether I'm being too cautious

I’m surprised at this. I would imagine it’s because your BP is ok that they’ve sent you home? I had a bad experience with preeclampsia first time too and I always worry about it with this pregnancy (37 weeks).

My doctor told me to contact straight away if I experience any swelling, headaches or vision problems. Can you ask for another opinion? I would also visit the pharmacy to check your blood pressure if ever in doubt, I’ve done this too.

I guess keep a closer eye... but given some of the advice on here, I could just get a home BP monitor and do it myself.

What did they say was causing the flashing lights and proteinuria? Do you have any follow ups booked ie no review or Consultant review?

If you still have flashing lights/headaches etc I would phone triage back and say you are concerned and would like to be checked.

Sorry that should be BP review*

oo I didn't know I could pop down to the chemist to do my BP. I'll check with my local, I have a lot of trauma from my last, it's horrible, isn't it! I will be checking in with my local midwife, I do deal with anxiety so I want to make sure I'm not overthinking anything. Seems like everyone is in favor of a second opinion and closer monitoring. perhaps I'll discuss this and see if it'll be possible.

@Thirty2andBlue they gave no explanation and told me I'm fine because of my BP (I feel that by saying this they're following 'the book' rather than considering how my pre-E developed last time), no follow-ups, nothing. Probably explains why I'm feeling left in the dark again.

Are you planning a vaginal birth OP? If so, perhaps you would feel reassured by monitoring your own BP at home regularly? I got a cheap Bp monitor from amazon for this purpose.

If you are planning a section I would be talking to the midwife to get it booked pretty soon. (My labour started at 38+1 in second pregnancy).

Thanks, ladies, I suddenly don't feel so alone in my experiences and concerns :)

Also, I'm not disrespecting the knowledge of HCPs here but you know your body best. You understand what feels right and when things might not be right so don't be afraid to go and get checked again.

I had a similar experience in that I was dismissed for PE but almost certainly had it in my second pregnancy.

@skylarkdescending I'm going for VBAC until I'm 40+8 at which point I'm booked in for a CS. The issue standing around that is the midwives say my EDD is 25/08 and a current scan changed my EDD to 19/08 and this is the date my birth plan was made around. The doctor on Friday argued with me over this as if I had made the decision my self, and said my CS is booked in for 40+1 26/08 and if I want to give time to go into natural labor I should change my CS date to 2/09.... so I'm also faced with all of this confusion.

That is confusing. Obviously your HCPs know better than me but I would be tempted to go with the earlier CS date if you have concerns after monitoring BP for a few days. Obvs you would be over DD so no added complications from being born early and less chance for anything to develop in regard PE?

Good luck I hope all goes to whichever plan you decide on!

I had PE, picked up when I went to triage for reduced movements (although looking back I had all the symptoms for at least a week and my midwife said and did nothing....)

Triage gave me a blood test to assess whether I was at risk of or had PE, have you had that? I was only the second person in my NHS Trust to have it so I think it's reasonably new, but it's what got me admitted and induced there and then.

I also bought a home BP monitor which I've found really helpful in this pregnancy.

However, you know your body. If you're worried, seek another opinion as it will only cause you stress and anxiety!

When I was admitted for monitoring of PE, regular bloods were also part of that actually you’ve just reminded me.
It would be good if a medic came on here to confirm, but I just don’t think you can have PE without high blood pressure? I think the scarier thing is that often the BP shoots up without any other major symptoms.