Worried about HBP after MW appt

[marmitelover]

I had my 36 week MW appointment and am in a bit of a spin as my BP was high and i'm off to the hospital to get checked out this afternoon. My BP has been absolutely fine up until now and although I do have fattish feet, it is very hot. So used to everything being fine and dandy that am now completely freaked out. Anyone else had this?

Also have to see a consultant tomorrow am and advice is now that I should have a ward birth rather than being in the much nicer birthing centre. Another worry.

I had this at about 34 weeks. Not wanting to worry you too much as I did have a very happy ending.

I ended up in hospital for a week, while they got my BP under control and then visits every other day to the MAU for monitoring to make sure my new BP tablets were doing their stuff.

It was a complete PITA for myself and DH as we never knew when/if I would be admitted for an emergency delivery.

In the end I had a spontaneous labour and natural childbirth 1 week overdue (well actually 1 day overdue cos I had IVF and knew my exact due date - but hospital picked their own date instead ). Baby and I were both fine.

I think you need to go with the flow on this one - high BP can be very serious so it really is better for both of you to get it under control and properly monitored. Hopefully it will settle down in a day or so.

Good Luck this afternoon.

Eeek. Glad to hear it all had a happy ending - I guess that is the most important thing. Not used to things going wrong or being told what to do, but DH on his way home to take charge.

Fingers' crossed they don't admit me, but will try my best to take it in my stride if they do.

Thanks Piprabbit

Now this is easier said than done, but do try to relax. I had one instance of HBP in my first pregnancy, which resulted in loads of extra monitoring for the remainder of the pregnancy, CFM for labour etc. I was having my BP checked every day at one stage. It was always highish when I had it checked in hospital having been sitting around worrying for an hour waiting to be seen, always perfectly normal when the mw came to do it at home and I didn't know just when she was coming so hadn't had time to get stressed out. Am convinced, in retrospect, that it was all just stress-related and a complete false alarm.

That said, if it is a sign of something more serious, it is excellent that you're going to be checked out and they can admit you if needs be.

All the best for this afternoon.

Can I ask how high is high?

I had high BP towards the end of my second pregnancy. I had other markers of pre-eclampsia too - traces of protein in urine and facial & leg swelling.

I was admitted for monitoring 3 or 4 times in the final few weeks. I was put on a medication that eventually stabilised my blood pressure and I had a normal delivery at a few days overdue.

As the others said do try and relax. High BP can be serious in pregnancy so although it can be annoying if you feel otherwise fine just following the medical advice.

Take a small bag with you with a few bits and pieces because if they decide to admit you it is nice to be prepared.

Glad you're getting properly checked out as HBP can be very serious and full blown pre-eclampsia can occur very suddenly so not worth taking any risks. Hopefully it's a one off measurement or else just needs monitoring and potentially some BP meds. If you are developing pre-eclampsia you may still get to full-term and natural delivery etc. but will need lots of monitoring. If worst case scenario you develop severe pre-eclampsia you are still at an excellent gestation and you and baby will be fine. Just keep a close eye on any symptoms, even if they might seem minor. Have had PE in all my pregnancies so know too well the vagaries of this horrid disease!

Good luck and try your best to relax as hard as that is- just let the medics do their jobs and hope all is fine xxx

Thanks ladies. Peppapighastakenovermylife - it was 150/95 which is much higher than the 127/74 it was 2 weeks' ago.

Will try and relax and hope that monitoring and meds is all I need rather than a hospital stay. I'm still working so wondering if I might have been over doing it, especially in this heat.