Scared to even think about baby number 2!!! HELP

[mummaintraining19]

I have always wanted two babies. My pregnancy was going so well up until 29 weeks when my blood pressure spiked and everything started swelling. My baby was born at 30 weeks at less than 2lb. I had pre-eclampsia that escalated to an eclamptic seizure. Has anyone else every had this? Have you gone on to have another one? I don't want the same thing to happen again (I don't think I could emotionally survive the NICU again...) but I would be gutted if this was my first and only baby. I'm only 21 and it's really put me off having anymore children. I love my baby & she's come on leaps and bounds and when she's older i'd love for her to have a sister or a brother (I know how great it is to have siblings).

HELP - advice and experience welcome

My sister was in a very similar situation. Is now 20 weeks with her second. They told her that if she did have pre enclampsia again (50/50) the chance is it would be later in the pregnancy and also they would catch it faster as she would be closely monitored. She’s had excellent care so far. You might be able to get a pre pregnancy appointment with a midwife to discuss the risks before you try again, check with your GP. All the best.

@teapotter

Firstly... congratulations to your sister!

Secondly... thank you for the advice. Haven’t been told anything about if I was to try again - maybe they assume I won’t. Luckily won’t be trying again for a good few years but will be glad to know I’ll be monitored more the next time!

My 1st was born at 34+5, waters just broke few days before and I had to be induced did 2 weeks in NICU, kept getting jundice. Was the most physically and emotionally draining 2 weeks of my life. 2nd was born 35+1, was told we only had to do 5 days on the ward and then could go home, no NICU as she was over 5lbs, great. She got bluelighted to another hospital at 4 days old and had major bowel surgery for a twist at 7days old. She came home at 3 weeks old. I found the 2nd time so much harder because i cared for her for 4 days, whereas my 1st was taken straight to NICU. The unknown leading up to the op, not getting answers, terrified wed loose her and not seeing my son for almost 2 weeks PLUS every hormone screaming at me, THAT was definitely the worst time of my life. I have a Bicornuate uterus which is most probably the cause for pre term labour but being early probably saved my daughters life, if wed gone home, we may not have noticed and her heart and lungs would of failed. I think im happy with my two but if i did change my mind, id do it again. Theyre worth it.

I would just reiterate that you will be really closely monitored so whilst there's no guarantee it wont happen again, they're likely to catch it much earlier and manage it / you & the baby.

I had twins at 27 weeks, had 8 weeks in NICU with them. Went on to have a 3rd born at 39+6. The staff were brilliant and really kept a close eye on me/the baby.