Does this sound like pre-eclampsia?

[Saskia6]

Hi all,

I’m 38+2 today. At my routine midwife appointment she noted I had protein in my urine and raised BP- 125 over 95. Until now, my BP has always been normal. I’ve had protein since week 34 but I was told this was likely due to a UTI I had for which I was given antibiotics and that has since cleared. The amount of protein today was much higher than previous levels though. She felt my ankles looked slightly swollen- personally I didn’t think they were.

Referred straight to day assessment at hospital. Monitored and all vitals seem fine. Baby heartbeat and movement good, no signs of issues. My heart rate normal. BP still high but lower than earlier in the day- down to 118/80. Protein still present but less so.

They took bloods which I’m awaiting results but they just sent me home. Should I be concerned? I felt the midwife this morning was a lot more concerned than the vibe at hospital.

For what it’s worth I am higher risk for ore eclampsia. My mum had it and I am FTM so was on preventive aspirin tablets until 36 weeks.

Should I be doing something else? Now not due to see anyone until due day. Help!

I'm also high risk of preeclampsia as my mum has it with both pregnancies.

Preeclampsia is 140/90 or above, or 30 higher than your normal blood pressure!

I have been researching it lately as I've started getting symptoms of preeclampsia at 32 weeks, and it turns out you can have preeclampsia and not have a high blood pressure at all, so you need to watch for this. I don't know how they test for it - maybe that's what the blood test was for?

Fingers crossed you don't have it xx

Sorry, I should have mentioned... by midwife said it's the bottom number (90) that they are most concerned about, not the top number.

This all sounds very familiar!

At my 36 week midwife appointment they found a trace of protein in my urine and my BP was 140/90 something. I was sent straight to triage for monitoring.
It was a busy day at the hospital. Monitoring of baby was fine and by some amazing feat, my BP dropped to subnormal levels
I was discharged with a clear bill of health. Nobody seemed concerned except for DH and I!

The following week i had an exrra midwife appt, BP was still about the same (high) and I was told to monitor at home as I had the facilities and go to triage if still high.
It didnt get higher until my 38week appt where it was about 160/100. And i had more protein in my urine.
Again off I went to triage.

This time they were a bit more concerned. Baby was fine with regular movements. I however was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.
I was given medication to lower my BP but it didnt work and after several hours of getting more and more stressed and my BP getting higher and higher, I was admitted for emergency induction.

The doctor I spoke to found it strange as I hadnt had any other symptoms of pre-eclampsia at all such as migraines, seeing flashing lights and severe, sudden swelling. Id had swollen hands and feet for months so nothing new.

If you have the ability to monitor your BP at home then do it and if 140/90 or higher, get yourself off to triage as this is the cut off point the hospitals use.

If your midwife has discovered elevated BP you should be offered weekly appointments for.monitoring.
Maybe give them a call and get checked to be sure.
If you are concerned though I would personally go to triage.
Pre-eclampsia, as I learnt, isnt fun and can be a medical emergency, even if physically you feel well.

I hope everything goes well for you!

If you haven't already then let your midwife know that you've been sent home.

I'm really good at getting pre-eclampsia & I also have family history.

My GP send me home to put my feet up... my midwife called and when she found out my BP results asked me to go into hospital to be monitored. DD1 was born that night.

The thing with Pre-eclampsia is that you feel absolutely fine. So I'd advise you to rest up but also call MW.

I'm assuming they checked the protein in your urine over a 24 hour period or similar?