Pre-Eclampsia

I am 99% sure I have pre-eclampsia. I had it with my first (singleton) pregnancy and was induced at 39 weeks because of it. At that time I spent 25 hours in labor only to have a c-section and 48 hours on an IV of Magnesium Sulfate.

Anyway, I noticed on Sunday that my ankles started swelling. I had avoided it for most of this pregnancy so I thought I was in the clear...hmph. Today I went to by OB and I had a small amount of protein in my urine, my BP was 130/80, and I gained 6 lbs. She sent me for lab work to run protein screens and a complete work-up. At this point I know it is only a matter of time until she gets the results and tells me to go to the hospital.

I am 32 weeks now and aside from this issue my pregnancy has been smooth sailing. My cervix is long and closed, no signs of PTL. I want to try to keep these babys inside for as long as possible and avoid the NICU.

I would love to hear storys of what other ladies have gone through with pre-eclampsia (the good, bad and ugly). Has anyone been put on hospital bed rest and not have to deliver immediately? Has anyone been diagnosed with it an had it actually get better in time rather than worse? I want (need) to hear it all. Please share your story with me. Thanks.

 

I developed pre-e but I was at 36 weeks - so they tried to induce me and it failed and I wound up with a section and 24 hours of mag...had they just done the section I think I could've avoided the mag but they tried to give me pitocin and it shot my bp up to 210/101...

:hug: hope you're able to just rest for a while and not have to deliver!

 

I had it with my first and then began getting it with the twins but ptl was the reason for their delivery.
With my first I had borderline bp for a couple weeks and bad swelling. That all started around 30 weeks, my bp was about 130/90. I was put on bedrest but more bc of ptl (I was on the terb pump, home monitoring and only allowed to get up to shower and go to the bathroom). At my 36 week check up I had gained 7lbs in a week and my bp was 180/120. I was sent over and induced within the hour and had her 5 hours later vaginally.
I later found out in the hospital when they were asking questions before the induction that the severe pain in my upper right side I had been having for the 10 days prior was my liver enlarging. The pain was so severe I couldn't move and would just lay and cry. I figured it was ligament pain. My liver enzymes were all out of whack.
I too was on the mag sulfate for 48 hours after labor...ugh...that was the worst!!

With the twins the swelling got very severe (I normally wear size 6 shoes and I bought 8.5's and they could no longer fit) and my thighs had swollen sooo much that my pants wouldn't fit over them. My bp was up to about 130 over I can't remember. I was spilling a little protein (don't remember how much). I was sent for the 24 hour urine but went into labor 2 days later. I was one day shy of 29 weeks.

Lay on your left side and rest up and try to keep those babies in!! Hope its not pre-e!

 

I went in to L&D not feeling well- persistent headache, minor swelling, funny vision on a Friday night. They did a 24 hour urine and it came back at a plus 9. I was 29 weeks 4 days and they took the boys the following night. I was on mag for a day or two ( I don't really remember!) The boys spent 59 and 74 days in the NICU. Both are home and doing great. Trust your insincts. Sometimes your body is trying to tell you something..my ob said Grayson's cord was bad and thank goodness I got sick because he wouldn't have made it if I hadn't.

 

you're a lot further along than I am...I have been in the hospital now for a week w/pre-e. I just got my steriod shots starting today. They started to monitor my girls for 24 hours today as well due to the fact that my baby b went dcell during the 20 minute monitor.
Every case of pre-e is diffrent. I have no swelling, small trace of protein in my urine...my liver and kidneys are ok. it's just my bp, it won't get under control. My mfm is afraid that I am just going to shut down. so, i'm here for the duration. I am in the middle of a 24 hour monitoring session right now laying on my back with a laptop on m boobs But I am in good spirits!

Good luck!

 

Julee, I have no experience with pre-e, but wanted to send you a :hug: Here is a link that has some stories shared by our members here at TS.


:grouphug:

 

I was able to make it to 36 weeks before they delivered. One 6 lbs the other 4lbs and 10 days in Special care mostly only for the one baby. while I was at home I had purchased my own BP machine which was fairly accurate and I kept track of my numbers. (lying down/ or sitting up, no talking during your BP, use the same arm since each arm can have a different reading) They watch the second number (diastolic) the most but both numbers are important.

I was in the hospital for about 3 days and my BP dropped wonderfully but started to edge back up when I returned home. Just simply going up and down the stairs and making my own meals would put up my BP.

You can do so much online so I hope you have a lap top you can take to the hospital. I spent time making up lists of things to buy, phone numbers to call, I spent time doing their baby books, reading up on some great books like "Healthy sleep habits happy child" & "Happiest baby on the block" to get them into a good sleep schedule when they were older..... use the time wisely there really is so much you can do. When they are born you won't have time to read so take advantage of it, and you will find you will be more prepared when they come.

Heather

 

I was diagnosed wit pre-e at 26 weeks and managed to incubate my twins until almost 34 weeks. I was on bedrest at home, ate a very low sodium diet and drank tons and tons of water. I had an ultrasound and saw my doctor at least once a week and sometimes twice a week to make sure my blood pressure was ok.

In the end, the girls were delivered because I was beginning to have symptoms of HELPP syndrome (my platelet count was dropping) and the girls were IUGR. I think the worst part was the magnesium sulfate my doctor put me on after he delivered the girls - that's nasty stuff.

My girls are now 3.5 and are doing really well. You'd never know one of them was a preemie. The other one has some issues because of BPD, that I don't think that is related to the pre-e.

Good luck with your pregnancy! Hope you can cook those babies a bit longer.

 

I started showing signs of pre-e at 32 weeks. My BP was creeping up and I started spilling protein. At 34+3, my BP was way up and there was lots of protein. They admitted me that day. Lab work showed HELLP. I asked them to delay as much as possible and I got 3 more days. I really needed to be delivered - I was very sick. The Mag is nasty but everything else went well. Delivered vag after induction. Babies spent 15 days learning to eat and keep temps up.

I hope you can rest and keep them inside for a while longer. If you do have to deliver, everything will be fine.