High Blood Pressure

[gonza]

I just got back from the doctor and when they finished my exam, I had to have blood work done and have a non stress done.  They said my bp was high (125/85).  It has been about 120/60 my entire pregnancy which is really good.  During the non stress test, where they hook you up to a fetal monitor and a bp monitor, my bp went back down.  I have been having a lot more swelling in my feet and hands which is another reason they did the test.  Has anyone else had this done?  I have to have another next week just before i see the doctor.  I am currently 34 weeks and 4 days.  I am just looking for support, not really answers to anything.

[mimik]

I have cronic hypertention, not preclasmia. I am on meds and my normal is 137/ 87. Last week i was in the hospital because it was 180/ 100. I had a bunch of tests done and they were all normal. They would test u for preclapsmia( pregnancy hbp) which can be bad. However my Dr said anything over 160/ 100 is not a good thing and thats when to worry, i would take your drs advice (probably told u to cut out salt) and go by what he thinks is abnormal vs normal bp readings.

[gonza]

Thanks.  I dont eat salt as it is.  Except what is already in food.  I dont add any to my food.  They didnt seem too concerned.  I just got worried. Plus, while they were monitoring me, they said I had a few contractions which i only felt one.  That got me excited, i want to have this baby soon!!!

[cinnamonheart]

Sometimes just being nervous about the testing will raise your
bp  you did say it went back down!
I think they are more concerned with the difference between the numbers, one number represents the beating and the other relaxing if the numbers are too high and close together that indicates your heart isnt getting enough time to relax before the next beat which results in high bp.
I really didnt think it sounded too high but I am no doctor I remember one time while pregnant I had 140/80 and my doctor never seemed concerned, the other times it was 120/80 usually

[cinnamonheart]

Yes i did the stress test too and sometimes never felt the contractions  
but it showed up on the monitor as a movement
so relax  it will almost be over in 6 weeks or less

GOOD LUCK

[gonza]

My bp did go down during the test.  They said it was because i was lying down sort of on my left side.  I dont know what number people consider high, but they did the test because of the bp and the swelling.  I am just so ready to have this little guy.  I am uncomfortable all the time.  This is my first and I am so anxious and ready.  My feet were so swollen this morning I could hardly get my shoes on!  My hands are so swollen that my rings wont fit!  OH, I had also had a slight jump in weight gain this time too.  She (the doctor)just wanted to make sure they werent missing anything.  Thanks for the comments.

[shubunkin]

I know your bottom # was little over but that just does not seem too high to me. Of course I am no doctor and they are all different but mine told me if it gets into the upper 130's then they start to get a little concerned. Just relax I am sure you are fine and it did go down. I have to start those non stress tests when I turn 36 weeks due to gestational diabetes. I am curious to see what they are like. I only have a 2 1/2 weeks until then. Good luck! Danielle

[gonza]

It was actually quite relaxing.  I just relaxed on the hospital bed and they strapped the stuff to me and the nurse and I sat there and watched HGTV (Home and Garden TV).  It was really a crafty little show.  In a little way, i wish the doctor would tell me I had to cut back on my work days.  I am so tired all the time and sitting at my desk (even though i get up every half hour or so and walk around and up and down stairs for stretching)just makes my feet so swollen.  I would never ask to be off alot, so, that is why a little part of me wishes the doctor would recommend maybe working half days or something.  Is that selfish?  I am just so drained!

[shubunkin]

I can totally understand why you would want some time off! I am a stay at home mom and even that gets soooooo draining. If it is not one thing that needs to be done it is another. Then it is the kids wanting something and then when the day is over I am like, "O, Lord I have to get up tommorrow and do it all over again!

[Stacie30]

they must have a different normal vs. high range depending on your age or something. I'm 31 and mine consistently runs 130/80 and they always tell me that is good. (course when i was 20 it was 110/65 most of the time) they don't tend to worry too much about you unless your bottom # goes over 100 and stays there... that can cause all sorts of problems including seizures which can be fatal for your baby so if you get there expect them to start freaking out.

i can tell you from experience (i had pregnancy induced hypertension with both my previous pregnancies starting at about 28 weeks and fully expect to get it with this one too) that if it stays up they will either put you on bedrest of blood pressure medicine. The blood pressure medicine was enough to keep mine under control.

try not to worry- there is a big difference between preeclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension. the high blood pressure is just a warning sign of preeclampsia so they will probably just moniter you closer.

it'll be ok. just try to take it as easy as you can, limit your physical activity (including walking) and let us know how it goes. :o)

[gonza]

I read a little last night on the internet (i know i shouldnt) and it said they consider your blood pressure high if the bottom # increases 15-20 more than it usually is.  That is probably why they thought mine was high.  Mine has been like 120/60 the whole time and all of a sudden it was 85.  My DH also didnt think it was too high.  I appreciate all the helpful dialogue.