I am REALLY scared and would like some info/help!

[BedfordGal]

First thanks to anyone who reads this or replies. It might be a bit long winded but i just have to get it all out. My friends/hubby and family are probaby sick of listening to my millions of complaints and worries.   This is my second (and definately LAST pregnancy). I was really hoping to enjoy this one but alas it's not going to happen. I'm 27 weeks and have been having problems since the beginning. Bleeding at 9 weeks. We had a scare at  Swelling started at 19 weeks (which in my opinion is way too early for swelling to start). Now all of my swelling is in my legs and mainly frmo my knees up to my hips. The baby is also causing circulation issues which is causing my legs to turn blue/red and purple. NOT FUN! They feel like they're asleep and cold most of the time. Swelling is worse in the afternoon after work and almost non existant by morning. It is so uncomfortable though once it starts. I can barely bend my knees. I can't understand how my legs can be so swollen and yet have barely any swelling in my ankles and feet. Anyway this is my biggest worry, bases on the fact that early and alot of swelling could very well mean pre-eclampsia. Since 24 weeks my blood pressure has increased (not all the time but i do get higher readings). I ended up at the hospital one night with a nosebleed and really high pressure. Of course by the time i got there the pressure was normal and the bleeding has stopped. I've had on and off nose bleeds since and random spikes of higher blood pressure. My normal pressure is on average 115/65.  The night i had a nose bleed my pressure was 160/88. Since then the highest i've had is 140/77 but this is still high for me.  My doctor isn't worried..i've had no protein in my urine...she also did a blood test which showed blood platelets and liver function is well within the normal range. I'm just terrified this is all leading to pre-ecplampsia..HELLP or worse.  The latest symptoms is i have gained 4 lbs within a week which i also know is a sign of the disease. I have a doctors appt on Friday but i'm just getting so frustrated. I really would like some advice or to talk to someone who has had similiar problems. I've had four ultrasounds and so far they have all been fine. Baby is measuring a day ahead of what we thought. I just don't feel good this pregnancy and i'm so afraid it's all leading up to something. I've also had a nausea and been extremely tired since about 20 weeks. It really is challenge to get out of bed in the morning and by the time i get home from work i'm almost in tears the swelling is so bad. Anyway really looking forward to some advice or just hearing from those with similar experiences.
Thanks in advance.

[BedfordGal]

Yeah i don't get much time unfortunately at work to relax...usually once i get home and lay/sit on the couch for a few hours it goes down conciderably..it's just so uncomfortable at work i'm almost in tears by the time i get off

[Cycl3Chick]

This may sound silly, but it helps me.  I have swelling in my legs and I just lay on the floor with a pillow under my back (it hurts) and I prop my legs up on the wall, while I am at work, especially during lunch.  Your swelling sounds much worse than mine, but anything is worth a shot right?

[BedfordGal]

Hi, yes i do alot of walking....both at work and on the weekends. Walking actually makes it worse somedays. Makes them swell more therefore they turn darker blue and purple.  

[34kmaray]

Are you walking for exercise? My legs get crampy & "hot spots" when I don't walk or swim or some sort of exercise-I think it helps my circulation

[BedfordGal]

thanks ladies..i'm trying....i just can't help but think this is not normal.  For my legs to be blue/purple all the time and so swollen? There's got to be something going on. But there isn't much i can do unfortunately. I can't afford to stay home and i don't start maternity leave until June 4th. So i suffer through the day and i'm almost in tears everyday by the time i get home. I pretty much go to bed at 8 every night and the swelling is alot better in the morning but still there. Anyway thanks for your opinions/advice..i really appreciate it.

[Meadow841]

I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad :(  I agree with Atlantisea, if there is anyway you can rest more during the day to help ease your symptoms, that may help. I try to take a little walk each day to keep things moving, but also relax throughout the day. It gets harder in the 3rd trimester, but we are in the home stretch. I hope you feel better and as long as the doctor says you are ok, I would try not to worry at least right now about it.

[Atlantisea]

I've had pre-ecclampsia twice now and I'm happy to say that I don't think you have it. You may develop it later on, but right now it sounds as if the stress and circulation issues are causing your blood pressure 'spikes'.

All anyone could tell you right now is to relax if at all possible and rest as much as you can. It is much harder being pregnant subsequent times and you also have a little one to look after which you didn't last time. It might pay to check your iron levels with your doctor, because if you are low or deficient it causes constant fatigue.

Maybe you need to cut down on work? Or stay at home full time if you can manage financially?