Pregnancy induced hypertension /PE

[CocoaOne]

Hi

My blood pressure has always been on the lower side of normal (110/60 usually) but my midwife noticed yesterday that my BP has been rising and is coming tomorrow to measure it again.

These are my readings from my maternity notes:
111/69 - 9 weeks
110/58 - 17 weeks
108/62 - 22 weeks
105/60 - 26 weeks
137/75 - 29 weeks
122/80 - 32 weeks
157/83 - 34 weeks

MW mentioned that I might be put on anti-hypertensive meds, but I've scared myself witless that they'll end up inducing or delivering LO early. How commonly does PIH turn into PE? I haven't had any trace of protein in my urine yet. I know worrying isn't going to help my BP - but I can't help it!

Has anyone got any experiences of high BP they could share? Thanks in advance

 

[chele]

Afraid I don't know the answer but I am now being monitored as have high bp and 2+ protein in my urine. So the good thing is you have no protein in your urine. Will you see a consultant or be referred to hospital?

 

[CocoaOne]

Hi, MW sent me to day assessment unit and everything returned to normal! Typical! I had a trace of protein in my urine in the morning but nothing in the afternnon and blood tests came back clear.

Hope they're looking after you well

 

[hattiehippo]

I had high bp and had to go to the DAU 2 to 3 times a week from 33 weeks until I was induced at full term. I then developed pre-eclampsia 10 hours into the induction.
I didn't start getting protein traces until around week 38 and just before I was induced I had 2+ as well as the raised bp.

You might go on to develop PE but you might not - there's no definate answer and that;s why they'll want to montior you reguarly. But at least you're nearly full term and they will only deliver the baby early if it is safer for both you and them. Try really hard to keep calm about it - stressing about it will make your bp higher!

 

[CocoaOne]

Thanks for the advice.

Another question though- everything was fine at the hospital and I was sent on my way. Bloods were normal. My next midwife appointment isn't for a week and a half, and noone has mentioned being checked before my next appointment, so I presume I'm ok to wait that long before being checked again? I would have thought they would want to check BP this week just to keep an eye out

 

[Cazzyg]

I was in hospital with high BP for 3 days at 33 weeks and even then, they didn't check me any more frequently afterwards. Fortnightly checks only.

I did go on to develop PE at 36 weeks but to be honest the symptoms were pretty obvious. My ankles were swollen, I was feeling sick, visual disturbances etc. And at that point I took myself off to the docs and was sent to hospital.

Just keep an eye on how you feel and if you have any of the PE symptoms, give your midwife a call asap.

 

[TwoBumps]

Hi CocoaOne, I would agree with Cazzyg.....you need to look out for all the symptoms of PE and not rely on blood pressure readings as mine never became particularly elevated!!

Like you I had low blood pressure throughout my pregnancy, but at 31 weeks I started to feel generally not right, spaced out and my ankles (and face although I hadn't noticed it) had become swollen. I also had a bad pain above my ribs. I went to the doctors and although my blood pressure was slightly elevated for me it was still well within the normal range, however I had 3+ protein and was sent to the hospital and diagnosed with PE. From there things progressed v.quickly and the twins were delivered 24 hours later!!

Just keep an eye on how you feel and call your doctor if you're at all worried x

 

[CocoaOne]

Thanks girls

I'm feeling pretty rubbish today but think it's more a cold coming on than anything else.... unless one blocked nostril, and one runny nostril are PE signs! Lol. Eyes do feel a bit blurry but again- could be tiredness or a cold. Ankles were a little bit swollen the night before last but back to normal now. Will keep an eagle eye on them x

 

[chele]

Ah hope you feel better soon.

First time I was sent to hosp for BP and protein (at 24 weeks) I was monitored once a week by the midwife. And then after 4 weeks, went back to seeing her every 3 weeks. Hopefully after I see my consultant on Thursday I'll be able to tell you more. But you should be ok to see her in one and a half weeks, but of course if you're worried, just phone her up x