Concern about pre-eclampsia

[PregnantLady]

Hi, I am 28 years old, 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. I am of slim build and have normal blood pressure usually.

In my first pregnancy (10 years ago) I had pre-eclampsia in the last month of pregnancy (rising/high blood pressure blurring vision and protein in urine) and was induced due to this coupled with being slightly overdue.

As far as I understand it, it is rare for pre-eclampsia to occur at my present early stage in pregnancy, but I have recently noticed blood pressure reading variations that concern me and lead to wonder if this is a sign of the later possibility of developing it.

At first most readings in early pregnancy and before have been somewhere between 60/100 and 75/115. However I had a new reading yesterday, which was 78/135.

Can you tell me if I should be concerned and/or what other symptoms or signs I would be advised to watch for?

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

Lady,

Thanks for the post.

I really do not have experience treating or diagnosing pre-eclampsia. If you have specific concerns with regards to your pregnancy, it would be best answered by your OB-Gyn.  Sorry not to be of more help, but congrats on your pregnancy.

good luck

[PregnantLady]

I have just realised this may be better posted in the pregnancy forum... If anyone has any input I would be grateful. Otherwise hopefully someone in the pregnancy forum can help. :)

[PregnantLady]

I couldn't post this in the pregnancy forum. I hope someone can help here?

[ireneo]

This heart board also has a section that is simply support, others with heart problems that can share their own experience. Does the pregnancy section have that or is it just "ask a doctor" forum?
Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day; it's not static. With the added blood volume and burden (although a pleasant one) on the body I'm not surprised if your BP is a bit higher than normal. But with your history I think I'd mention it to the doctor. They can do a urinalysis, check your BP (which they probably do at each visit). At my clinic I can walk into the nurses station and have my BP checked without any charge or appt. That way they can chart it and my doc can keep track of how I'm doing. I hope everything turns out just fine. Congrats on the new baby on the way. Enjoy!

[PregnantLady]

It is partly the fact that i know that in my stage of pregnancy, blood pressure tends to actually decrease rather than increase that made me feel this was a worrying rise in BP. But I will keep an eye on my BP at the Docs...

[Arabella]

I had pre-eclampsia from week 20 had emergency section full blown eclampsia at 30 weeks had another baby 15 mths later pre-eclampsia again but at 30 wks had section at 34 weeks third baby 2 years later pre-eclampsia at 35wks section at 37 wks. No more children since.  I went from a size 4 shoe to 8 with first child but 3mths later was back to normal after baby.  Hope this helps.

[anacyde]

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is a good idea, and reporting any possible signs of preeclampsia is important.  However, don't let worry drive up those numbers.  I had a blood pressure scare during my first pregnancy with a home monitor when I got a reading of 150/100!  I was 35 weeks pregnant at the time and I totally freaked, went immediately to L&D to get checked out.  My normal was 100/60!  Well, the L&D nurse got 110/60, and said I probably had a broken monitor.  Turns out I did.

Lots of things can make for elevations in the numbers.  Do everything you can to stay healthy, follow closely with your OB, and reduce stress and worry.

I hope everything turns out well for you and baby :)

[ggreen23]

I think you should be concerned with fainting.  One of our affiliate doctors said that “Fainting occurs when not enough blood gets to the brain. Blood pressure is too low. The medications used to treat pregnancy induced high blood pressure can cause fainting with a rapid change from the sitting or reclining position to standing. Also, blood loss that occurs with delivery of the baby and dehydration from nursing can be factors in fainting. Women who develop high blood pressure with pregnancy are at risk for hypertension later in life.”

I hope that sheds some light on your situation.  Also, you may be interested in the following testimonial from a pregnant woman:

“I have a family history of HBP, and although I am in my 20s, exercise daily and eat right, my readings are climbing into the 140s/90s zone. I am pregnant right now, and I know that HBP is very bad during a pregnancy. So, I looked into Resperate. Since I started using Resperate (about a month) my blood pressure has dropped about 8-10/8-10 pts. I am hoping that this trend continues. I use Resperate AT LEAST 4 times a week--I try for 5-7 times a week. Yes the price is high, but Resperate is much better than putting chemicals in your body. And, for me, it is better than being put on bed rest and having your life taken from you. Try it!”

Greg

www.resperate.com