32 Weeks - Problems starting...

After a weekend of feeling horrible, I pushed my Dr.'s appt. up to this morning and although he isn't worried, I kinda am. I have been itching like crazy all over, my BP is up to 130/80 and I've been having horrible headaches. I've also had a cold/sinus issues so I know the headaches could be due to that, but just last week my BP was 118/70....I developed PIH with DS right at this point last time and its got me really bummed to think I might have it again. I don't have protein in my urine and have no real swelling, but still. Not to mention that I've been having really strong contractions pretty much constantly. I go back next week as long as I've no new developments but I'm just trying to stay calm and DH thinks the BP is no big deal. He doesn't seem to understand there is a difference between non pregnant and pregnant BP issues. Urrrgggh. Any advice or just sympathy? I feel like a big baby! I just want to cry and have snapped at my precious little 4 yr. old today who has no idea what's going on.

 

It sounds like you have pretty good reason to be concerned... 32 weeks isn't too bad for gestation...but do make sure you keep calling your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. I'd be nervous too.

 

Your bottom number is normal, so I understand why they aren't concerned.

I am in the same boat as you. I got high BP at the end of my pregnancy with DD. I felt like crap. I look for those symptoms too. My last appt. I thought for sure it was going to be high cause I felt like crap and had been having headaches. My BP was 140/77. Top number was up but it is the bottom number that counts the most. Your top one will go up first then the bottom. I check it when I go to the pharmacy and it has been fine. I didn't have protein in my urine either. So I am not worried, and don't think you should be either. Could your headaches be from your sinuses?? Mine are kind of icky right now, and can cause the same symptoms as high BP for me.

Just keep an eye on the symptoms and check it if you have a pharmacy that has a BP machine. I wouldn't worry to much....that also doesn't help the BP!

April

 

I know exactly how you feel I was soooo big at the end and I was sick of everything. My blood pressure would go up and down, I do know they were more concerned with the bottom number but your bp could just be up because of all the extra weight just keep an eye on it. It will be over before you know it I promise. :hug99: Hang in there sweetie you will be so happy when those babies don't have any NICU time. I was so greatful (after the fact) to have carried mine as long as I did. There were 3 sets of twins born in my hospital when mine were born and mine were the only ones not in the nicu, it felt GREAT!!

 

My BP could be from the weight, or the fact that I've been so sick this weekend. And a definite YES as to the headaches could be from my sinuses. BUT, all that said, I'm still worried sick. I plan to cook an easy dinner, and go cry in the bath tub tonight! LOL! My Dr. is great and emphatically stressed that he is not worried but "watchful". I guess that's good. I have a BP cuff here at home (due to last pregnancy) and it has been running 130/80 all weekend...unless I start to freak out and then it goes up---understandably. I'll probably go in on Thurs. just for a BP check to ease my mind. I see him Monday. Thanks guys...it feels better to know I'm not totally alone.

 

My blood pressure is normally 110/60 but I had a few times with 130/80 (or close 78 or 79) but my doc said it was OK as long as we weren't getting over 85. It never did. Stay calm (easier said that done) and don't hesitate to call your doc if you feel it's needed. Better safe than sorry!

 

Hang in there. I started with the high bp around the same time and was feeling quite defeated as it was new to me to have any complications up until then. I have had cold/sinus issues throughout my pregnancy so I know how you are feeling on that front, if you are taking anything for congestion that could your bp rise too.

As long as you and your Dr and keeping an eye on things that is the best you can be doing right now.

Good Luck

 

Try not to beat yourself up about anapping at your 4 year old- you're only human, and it happens sometimes.

My advice is for you to take it easy and get as much rest as you can. I know it's hard witht afour year old, but it's really importnat. Take it easy, let a lot of the housecleaning/chores/errands/ go if you can.

It really stinks that DH doesn't get it. can you bring him to your next doctore appointment and have you doc. explain it to him in professional terms?

Good luck and hang in there!!!!!

 

Unfortunately, DH will not go to Dr.'s appts with me. He's quite a bit older than me and was born in the generation (I guess) that makes it uncomfortable for him to go.... He does do almost everything though. I try to cook light dinners, but other than that, I stay home all day and rest basically. DS is at pre-school half a day so it's really easy on me. DH cleans the house and does all laundry and major grocery shopping on the weekends and I just maintain (load dishwasher, etc.) during the week. I went in again yesterday to have BP checked again and it was normal...114/64 (both times she took it) so I don't know. Either it was a fluke, I was sick and not feeling well, or its fluctuating. I'll definetely keep an eye on it and am trying to remain calm! Just to add to my worries, Baby A is footling breech and has been for 2 months so it looks like a C-section---scary! Not to mention my Dr. had a family emergency and will be out for two weeks! Ugghhh! He does not expect me to go before then, but you never know!

 

Check out www.preeclampsia.org There is a great forum there as well to help with any questions you may have and of course they will have plently of sympathy as well. Make sure to look at their signs and symptoms page and print it out. If you feel off, go to L&D, dont chance not going. Unfortunatly since you have history of PIH and now are carrying multiples, you risk is alot higher for PIH and Preeclampsia. The headache is worrisome to me and your bp creeping up is not good either so you need to be extra careful. Lay on your left side as much as possible, this helps with blood flow through the placenta and will help to keep your bps stable for the time being. Do remember though that your bp may continue to go up, even on your left side if PIH/pre-e is getting worse.
Have you done a 24 hour urine? This is the ONLY way to accuratly know how much protien you may or may not be spilling. THose office dips are not all that accurate especially with a multiple pregnancy because of the amount of water you are drinking that can dilute the urine. Have you had labs done to check your kidney and liver function?

Please do be careful, watch yourself, who cares what dh thinks, men are idiots most the time anyways LOL...heck mine didnt even think my bp was much of an issue until I delivered at 27 weeks with the first. Please feel free to pm me if you have any more questions or just want someone else to talk to who has been there done that more than once :hug99:

 

Oh and another thing, your bp will likely be labile in the beginning, where sometimes its high, sometimes not, this is normal and still something to watch closely. YOu should get a bp moniter and check it 2-3 times a day at the same time everyday and keep record of it for your doctor.

Watch for visual changes, increased swelling (especially in the face), pain under your right breast too. THose are all things that mean you need to be seen now and not later

 

I had PIH at the end with my son..very high BP like 167/110, thankfully it would go down with rest and I never did get any protein spills.

With my girls, I figured a couple of times when my bp would go up a little that I was headed for the same fate. Fortunately, it never did get high like that! I'm just telling you this because every pregnancy is different. you MAY not end up with PIH this time around.

That said, please keep an eye on yourself and get as much rest as possible. If crying in your tub will alleviate your stress and make you feel better, then do it!