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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

If it is preeclampsia what should I expect ?

8 replies

LizzeyBenett · 15/05/2024 17:22

I'm 34 +5 and have very swollen sore feet as well as swollen hands and B/P is raised I was with the GP today and have to go back tomorrow to have BP checked again and take it from there also in hospital next Monday, if it turns out to be preeclampsia what should I expect ? Does it mean an admission to hospital ? Being induced early ? Really interested to hear others experiences

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IdgieThreadgoodeIsMyHeroine · 15/05/2024 17:25

For me it meant delivery at 37 weeks and close observation until then. I had a caesarean because my baby was breech, but I probably would have had one anyway as induction has a high likelihood of failure that early, which can result in an emergency caesarean.

Hope all goes well!

LizzeyBenett · 15/05/2024 17:28

IdgieThreadgoodeIsMyHeroine · 15/05/2024 17:25

For me it meant delivery at 37 weeks and close observation until then. I had a caesarean because my baby was breech, but I probably would have had one anyway as induction has a high likelihood of failure that early, which can result in an emergency caesarean.

Hope all goes well!

Thanks that's helpful to know as mine is still breech as well. Think I best start picking up my last few bits for her just in case .

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Midwifelife · 15/05/2024 17:33

Pre-eclampsia can be really variable in how it comes on - some people get poorly quickly whilst others have it mildly for weeks. If it is - it will definitely mean lots of regular checks - blood pressure, urine and blood tests plus growth scans if you haven't had one recently. Some people need tablets for their blood pressure and it stays stable to get them close to their due date. Others things progress and change.
The only cure is to have baby so early delivery may be recommended if there was no concerns about you or baby. at your gestation they may offer an induction but it's less likely to be successful than closer to your due date, or a caesarian section may be recommended depending on your history plus how your blood pressure is controlled, your blood results showing any issues with your liver, kidneys, clotting etc or babys growth and position.

I would say it can come on quick - so if before your next check you are worried about headaches, funny visual floaters or change in vision, worsening swelling, feeling 'off' (people often just describe feeling generally ill/sluggish/slightly confused), new vomitting then please call your on call/triage/hospital number and get seen sooner - this is one of those issues that 24/7 hospital care is there for.

I hope it is just some swelling but don't get in a stew if it is pre-eclampsia - the most important thing is you are being observed and treated. All the best and let us know how things go

Dyra · 15/05/2024 20:25

Had pre-eclampsia in both my pregnancies very mildly. Developed around 34 weeks, but I missed the midwife check that would have picked it up with my first. It was picked up instead at the 36 week appointment. With my second, an admin screwup meant I was put in the low risk pile for follow up, so it wasn't acted on until 36 weeks.

I was swollen with my first, but it was hot and I swell in the heat even when not pregnant. I had no other signs or symptoms other than BP, proteinuria, and some wonky liver enzyme blood test results.

Once picked up, I was admitted to hospital, and placed on twice daily labetalol, had 4 hourly BP checks day and night. CTG monitoring every morning and Doppler checks at shift change. Induction at 37 weeks. Babies born healthy (albeit with mild jaundice) and well. Post birth I was kept in for two nights for baby to have blood sugar checks (due to the labetalol) and to make sure my BP didn't suddenly whizz off in new and exciting directions. I remained on labetalol for a few weeks post birth with my first, and didn't need them at all with my second.

My second baby was also breech. I wanted to attempt an ECV, and was booked to have one at 37+2 (booking made before official pre-eclampsia diagnosis). But the doctors were umming and ahhing if I should be allowed to have one. Luckily baby decided to turn before the final decision was made at 36+5, though I think the senior doctor (literally wrote the NICE guidelines on ECV) would have allowed it. I still wound up with a C-section (little blighter got stuck in labour), but recovery was easier than anticipated, so it wasn't all bad.

Hopefully it isn't, but if it is, don't fret, you will be so well cared for.

LizzeyBenett · 15/05/2024 20:51

Thanks everyone for your responses

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Blue2020 · 15/05/2024 21:49

My bp was picked up at 31+5 while I was in for the night for reduced movements. They kept me in another night while I started bp medication. Then 10 days after that I was in another two nights while they changed the bp medication. It was there they suspected preeclampsia (my blood work was starting to increase too) but I felt fine. They mentioned they would like to get me to at least 37 weeks if possible. Then I was checked weekly by a midwife appointment and they took my blood.

I went in for a routine check at 34+5 and they kept me in, said I should consider induction. My feet were swollen then. The labour ward was busy so I waited and on 34+6 they gave me steroid injections for the baby’s lungs and had a tour of the scbu. Then on 35+0 I suddenly had no urine, the baby stopped moving completely, his hr was static (no accelerations) and it switched to a emcs. DS had a 12 day stay in scbu but mostly because he was too sleepy to drink so a lot was tube fed to start. I didn’t have any issues after the csection.

My ds is now 1 and healthy and happy. Good luck and I hope it all goes well for you both.

Min133 · 15/05/2024 21:54

For me there were other complications so baby was delivered at 31 weeks via emergency C-section. However I was told that if I hadn't had the complications, I would have been admitted to hospital to see if they could get it under control with medication, regular monitoring and they would have delivered baby a bit earlier that usual if necessary for either mine or babies safety. Wishing you all the best ❤️

Fontainebleau007 · 16/05/2024 14:38

I had pre-eclampsia with my first son, but it wasn't until near his due date. There was a lot of protein in my wee and what was supposed to be a routine appointment turned into me staying in and being induced straightaway. I must say I was pretty worried because I didn't even know what pre-eclampsia was. Fast forward he's 9 now but still feels like yesterday.

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