Concerned about high blood pressure

[Seas27]

I am 12 weeks pregnant with my second and over weight. During a routine appointment with my OB my blood pressure was high 154/96. She told me to come back in 2 weeks so she could check it again. That was yeaterday and it was even higher 156/102. We took it laying down later and it went down to 143/88. She said this was not common this early in pregnancy. Needless to say she told me I needed to start taking medication, Labetolol, twice a day. In conjuction do a 24 hour urine test, and then come in for blood work. I didn't recieve any information on what could be happening, what this could do to my baby, what else I can can to lower it, nothing. I would also like to know some reasons for why my bp could be elevated. I never had high BP before I got pregnant and only had it when my first child was over due. I am concerned and confused and depressed and was hoping to get some answers. Please help

[Seas27]

Kiki I am glad to hear you are doing well. 5 pounds isn't bad. I lost 60 lbs about a year and a half ago and put it all back on and I am sure that has something to do with it. During this pregnancy I have gained 8 pounds so far. I was trying to not gain aniything, but that is hard. I might have to later cut back on working. My job is pretty stessful. I am just training someone right now for when I go on maternity leave, which might be sooner that I think lol.

[kikicoates78]

I too am on B/P meds which completely freaked me out at first, but I am seeing a specialist and go through a cardio output screening each month, and like Jenny monthly growth exams for the baby, she so far has not been effected she is measuring right on date, I was 19 weeks when I was put on meds, I'm now 24. Mine has been runnung 130/60 which is more normal for me, ( spiked at 140/100) I too am over weight, I very cautiously started watching my diet when I found out I was preggo, I have had pre-eclampsia with my previous, but despite all my efforts it still developed, I did lose 15 pounds, although she has hit a growth spirt and I'v gained 5 back but overall I'm still trying to be healthier. Keep your chin up, I did have to cut back to part time at work, but no bedrest yet.

[Seas27]

I appreciate everyones input! Man, I am feeling a little better already, well kindof. Jenny is making me worry, :) I am so happy for you that your baby is doing good, and you are too hopefully. Hopefully I don't have to go on bed rest. Man that would be hard, but that might be what I have to do. At 3 months it's hard to think that. I had no problems with my first and this ones going to be tough already. :) Thanks again everyone!!! You're all great.

[Seas27]

Thank you so much for your comments. I know I should be feeling down. Are you preg with a toddler? How far? I am going to get a cuff today, I think that will help ease my mind:) Thanks again

[jennymay]

I am somewhat of an expert on this subject :). I have had chronic hypertension since about a year before I got pregnant. I had been on birth control and gained about 50 lbs, which is what originally caused it. So once I got pregnant, I was put on Aldomet, which is another medication that is okay for high bp during pregnancy. My blood pressure is under control, it is usually 130/90ish.

Everything progressed normally at the start of my pregnancy, my doctor had me doing monthly u/s after 20 weeks to make sure the baby was growing normally. Now this is the part that isn't really going to make you feel better about the whole thing, but you should be prepared. At my 24 week ultrasound, my little girl's head and stomach were measuring small for her gestational age, and I was put on bed rest. It's now been 6 weeks that I have been on bedrest, and things are really looking good.

My first ultrasound after I started bedrest, my little girl had grown from the 12th to the 14th percentile. The bed rest basically improves your circulation and helps keep your bp down. My last ultrasound (Tuesday this week), the baby has gone up again to the 15th percentile, after only 3 weeks, and gained about a pound. Her head has almost completely caught up in size, and her stomach is only measuring about 2 1/2 weeks behind.

Lol, sorry, this is getting kinda long ;)! So really, your baby is going to be okay, at the worst you may get put on bed rest, so like evthing4reason said, you should be prepared that it might happen. You are also more susceptible (sp?) now to getting pre eclampsia, so getting a blood pressure cuff for you house is a good idea. I got one at Walmart I think for about $35. It will help you keep an eye on things yourself in between doctor's visit.

Please send me a message anytime you would like, I will give you any information I have!! I am on bed rest, so I am on everyday. Take care, hope all goes well :)

[sweetangel7]

Has your doctor talked to you about exercising to help with the blood pressure?  Some people can control their blood pressure without medication by exercise and diet changes alone.  Just a thought =)

[evthing4reason]

chances are they will be putting you on bedrest if this keeps up so you may want to keep that in mind and be prepared just incase.

[Darkestlight]

I cant tell you why, but i did a little research and they call what u have chronic hypertention, because u developed it before the 20wk mark. Everything can be ok as long as u take care of ur self, i'd recommend getting a blood pressure cuff and checking ur BP at home often to make sure the meds are working and at the right dose. Dont be depressed you are having a baby. I mean it could always be worse, lol u could be pregnant and me. ugh! But I understand ur worry. if you need someoen to talk to I'm here. A LOT since im a sahm with a toddler.