pre eclampsia

[littlestar27]

I have just found out that Im pregnant. I suffered pre eclampsia in my previous 2 pregnancies my babies were both born 32 weeks gestation weighing a little over 2LB delivered by Emergency c-section. I am concerned that this will happed again anyone on here had same situation?

I've had it once and that was enough. I can't imagine what you've been through.

Congratulations on the pregnancy.

Why not talk to your Dr ASAP and get a referral to see a consultant so that they can discuss this with you and you can have a chance to get your questions answered.

I havbe had preeclamspia twice but not as early as you. my first was at term then the second was at 34/35 weeks so my son was born 35 weeks.

I dont know what the chances are of it happening again but from what I have read it is not certain it will but since we have had it twice we do have a higher than normal chance of getting it again.

I have an appointment with a consultant on the 23rd of september and I have been told I will need extra checks and scans etc although no one has seemed overly concerned so far.

my biggest worry is that it was earlier and much more serious in my second pregnany which makes me worry that it will be even earlier this time.

sophie

You should be able to get your gp to a refer you to a consultant asap to discuss your risks and what monitoring they will do this time round. I had pre-eclampsia in my first pg (ds born at 34 weeks) and was referred to a consultant for a pre-conception appt where they went through all that kind of thing with me, it was very helpful.

Very sorry that you have had the same experience in both pgs. I can't imagine doing all that again with another child to worry about. Good luck with this one.

I've been given a very low dose aspirin to take in order to prevent pre-eclampsia this time. started taking it at 16wks as thats when I saw the consultant - he said the earlier you take it the more likely it is to prevent it. I'd look into it if I were you!

I was also given a placental blood flow scan to check if all was ok at 20 weeks...

Yea I had scans at 10wks 16wks 20kks 22wks and then every week there after with my second. Also had aprin and vitamins!!! Im not being booked in with Midwife till next Thursday 19th Sept then she will refer me to a consultant!

It just seems that their not overly concerned.
I remember hearing a few years back that if this is second preg with same father you are less likley to develop PE anyone heard the same?

Yes, I've heard this, although don't know if it's true or not since the jury still seems out to what causes it. Had it my first (and last preg) with the lo being born 6 wks early under 3lb. I've been reccommended aspirin too for my next preg and I think they say that a low salt diet may help.

oh no! been following the guidelines that you can have as much salt as you like in pregnancy and I'm a real marmite/salty butter/feta/olives/anchovies girl.

hmm

need diet rethink.

Just for your info the latest research on the reoccurrence of PE is available here:
pre-eclampsia.blogspot.com/2008/07/recurrence-of-pre-eclampsia.html

Littlestar- if you had aspirin before if I were you I'd just start taking it again now (75mg cardio strength- low dose)- BUT that is my opinion only- it's just mad that you might have to wait so long to see a consultant and by that time the placenta may have formed and it's shown that aspirin is most effective as the placenta forms (ie. at or before 12 weeks).

When you do see you consultant ask about the blood tests for autoimmune & blood clotting issues- as if you're positive for any of these they may well want to try heparin (clexane) this time.
Hope you get good frequent monitoring this time.
Good luck xx

PS. I recently came across this article which was recommended by a friend and has really helped me understand more about PE...just in case you are interested (it's long be warned!):

www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/07/24/060724fa_fact