High Blood Pressure

[AvianasMommy]

Hi ladies! Wondering if anyone has experience with high blood pressure?

I really used to love my doctor but he's getting old, tired, and forgetful, and to be honest, all he does is confuse me and make me worry.

I have pregnancy induced hypertension. It was a little elevated around 12 weeks so I started Labetalol which had a terrible reaction with my asthma so I was switched to Procardia extended release (30 mg) daily.

I was okay with that for a while but for the past month or so, my blood pressure is consistently 154/92 (and was also that a few times before). Last week at my appointment for 25 weeks, I had to ask him if he was concerned about my BP. He said it was high and told me to take it easy (I sit at a desk all day so I'm not very active). Then he had me come back in a week (which is today). My blood pressure was exactly the same. He said he can't up my meds at all (which last week he said we could) and then suggested combining the Procardia with a low dose of Labetalol but told me to check with the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor I see (which isn't for another 4 weeks). He is having me get a blood pressure cuff for at home and I'm awaiting the results of my 24-hr urine test. He wants me back in a week again.

He just confuses me. If I don't mention my BP, he doesn't mention it. When I do mention it, he seems concerned and makes me panic (even though my BP has been that high on several occasions before and he never made mention of it). I'm just lost. I left a message for my MFM doctor to see what he thinks.

Sorry for the novel! I guess what I'm asking is, have any of you ladies experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy and if so, what numbers were of great concern to your doctors and what did they do?

Thanks in advance .

 

[Amberyll23]

Have you already had an initial appointment with maternal/fetal medicine doctor earlier in your pregnancy? If so, I would not wait for your appointment, I would give them a call and ask to have one of their nurses, etc. give you a call back.

I have pre-existing HBP, but it gets affected by my pregnancies, so I was switched meds once I became pregnant. My doctors adjust my medication (Methyldopa) if I go over 140 on top or 90 on the bottom, so your reading to me is definitely something that should warrant a call to your doctor.

I would also inquire about different meds. I have been put on Methyldopa for both of my pregnancies and have been told by both my OB and Maternal Fetal doctor that there is a lot of room to move with that medication (ie, ability to increase it, etc.). My OB also defers to my maternal fetal doctor when it comes to any adjustments.

I hope that helps!

 

[AvianasMommy]

I had my first appt. with MFM at 20 weeks and my BP was fine. I'm considered high risk due to my weight, GD, and PIH but was referred over to them just for ultrasounds and growth scans (they have better machines). That's why my next appointment there isn't until 30 weeks... I am concerned though and trust the doctor there more since he always answers all my questions thoroughly (whereas my regular doctor skirts around my questions and confuses me in the process). Hopefully the MFM doctor calls me back soon.

Thank you for letting me know about the different medication. I am going to bring that up and see if it's a possibility for me since the medication I'm on clearly isn't doing much for me anymore. I appreciate your help ! It's just so frustrating dealing with a doctor who won't give straight answers and now it's pretty late to be switching.

 

[sjtttc]

I too am on medication for high bp....I'm taking methyldopa 250mg 3 times a day... Was originally twice but they increased it has bp was Still tipping over the 140/90 range. Been on this for 2 weeks now and apart from a few headaches wen I started medication...my bp has remained just under it. Today it was 130/90 at routine midwife app...been referred to consultant which ill see on Fri. Hopefully all goes well. X

 

[Smanderson]

Could you call your hospitals maternity day assessment unit? They are usually really good and can refer you to a specialist if needed. I would be concerned to stay just under your doctors care as he seems to be getting confused

 

[lhill630]

You can still switch to a different OB. I know it is late in the game, but it is really important to trust your doctor. I would also call your MFM doctor and let them know what is going on. They won't mess around with PIH, and they will answer your questions and concerns.

 

[AvianasMommy]

Thanks everyone! I found out that last pregnancy I was on Aldomet which is apparently Methyldopa. I got in to see the doctor at MFM and she has made me feel much better. BP was 151/100 (!!!!!) by the time I got there. After talking to her and relaxing it was down to 138/86! She didn't switch my meds but explained her reasoning to me and I feel so much better now (especially since my BP came down a lot). They also did a u/s to check my fluid levels and that blood flow to my placenta and through the cord were good and everything is perfect.

I wish my regular doctor would've just taken the time to explain everything to me so I wouldn't worry. My BP is being watched closely and I'll have appointments every week. Thanks again girls, I was felt like I was going crazy before, I feel so much better!

 

[lhill630]

Glad to hear that!!

 

[sjtttc]

So glad to hear its been explained to you. X

 

[Smanderson]

Yay im so pleased your all sorted hun good job you went to the MFM (i dont know what this is but it sounds like they are good) x

 

[Amberyll23]

I had a feeling your MFM doctors would get involved right away if you called them, I LOVE my MFM doctors, they are always on the ball in dealing with my risk factors that I have faced in both of my pregnancies.

I am so glad they are monitoring you more closely and you are now getting the attention you need. HBP is not something to mess with during pregnancy (as I am sure they told you!) as it can cause issues with the placenta and other complications.

I am also glad that the doctor explained to you why you are on the medication you are on. I figured there had to be a reason as methyldopa is probably one of the first meds they try with most pregnant women. Your history or current health conditions may certainly have had an effect on why they are going with something different this time around.

Again, I am so relieved and happy for you!!!

 

[AvianasMommy]

I had a feeling your MFM doctors would get involved right away if you called them, I LOVE my MFM doctors, they are always on the ball in dealing with my risk factors that I have faced in both of my pregnancies.

I am so glad they are monitoring you more closely and you are now getting the attention you need. HBP is not something to mess with during pregnancy (as I am sure they told you!) as it can cause issues with the placenta and other complications.

I am also glad that the doctor explained to you why you are on the medication you are on. I figured there had to be a reason as methyldopa is probably one of the first meds they try with most pregnant women. Your history or current health conditions may certainly have had an effect on why they are going with something different this time around.

Again, I am so relieved and happy for you!!!

I have to agree. I seriously love the MFM doctors too. I saw a new doctor I've never met before and she was just lovely. She sat there for about 30 minutes explaining everything. They always answer my questions. I felt so relieved after leaving there, especially since they checked the placenta/cord blood flow. Thanks again! I am really enjoying all you lovely ladies over here in 3rd tri! Glad I came over a bit early .