Trying to conceive - Pre-eclampsia

[eyebehave]

How exciting...we finally decided we are going to try to conceive...no more "it isn't the right time"!  We tried last month and while we didn't think we would get pregnant right away, my period started 5 days late...YIKES.  I guess that is when it hit me that I need to get my own health under control in case we do end up getting pregnant right away.  Here's my problems:

1)  I was diagnosed with HTN (I'm only 25) and am currently taking metoprolol (which is a class C drug).  I have an appointment with the doctor next Thursday and plan on switching to Methyldopa (maybe a CCB later in the pregnancy).

2)  I had kidney stones at the beginning of this year.  I had laser lithotripsy and they were removed (calcium oxalate), but I did have protein in my urine (I can't tell you exactly how much).  I noticed it was cloudy, but didn't think anything about it until the UA came back positive for protein.

3)  With the two aforementioned problems, I am concerned about developing pre-eclampsia.  Is it a definate?  I really don't want to have to deliver prematurely at 28 weeks!

So I guess I am just unsure about what this means for us since we want to have up to 4 children.  Will I never be able to carry full term?  Let me know if you have any tips!

Thanks!

[jokell]

If I were you I would do a consult with your OBGYN about your plans to conceive. Having HTN does increase your risk of getting pre-eclampsia but it's not a definite thing. Either way you don't want it. I've had it with both of my previous pregnancies and I'm 12 weeks along now with my 3rd and obviously nervous about the possibility. I did not have HTN before my issues with pre-e. Unfortunately no one knows what causes this condition. You can read up more about it on their website. www.preeclampsia.org

Good Luck!

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

Seeing your ob/gyn before you become pregnant is a good idea.  They will talk to you about your medication options.  Methyldopa is safe in pregnancy as well as Labetalol, and Nifedipine.  Your history of hypertension does put you at a high risk of developing pre-eclampsia or worsening hypertenstion during pregnancy (~20%).  It also puts you at risk of having a preterm delivery (as you noted), poor fetal growth, and risk of placental abruption.  

That said, early and regular prenatal care gives you the best chance at having a good pregnancy outcome.  No one can say for certain how things will go until you try.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[illsurvive]

i dont even know wat is pre-eclampsia and HTN ? as u said u ve done with blood work . so that is enough. just wait. be faith on god. Be calm, do mornign walk if possible even u r thin.
I m trying for a year for baby.i test came normal regarding concieve. when i went to gyne she did my blood work and i m diagnose with hep B but doc told me that wouldnt affect ur baby or ur fertility.

[eyebehave]

My thyroid has been checked out (numerous times).  I've had so much blood drawn, renal artery duplexes, and other scans...but they don't know why I have HTN.  I'm thin and it doesn't run in my family.  Kidney stones do seem to be genetic, however.

I've been taking prenatal vitamins for 2 months straight...in the morning right after I take my temperature (I'm not really concerned that my child will have spina bifida...I'm worried about pre-eclampsia).  

What in my history makes you think I would have a blood transmitted disease, and what would that have to do with pre-eclampsia?!

[illsurvive]

I think u should see the ob\gyne they will test ur thyroid and other blood work....for making sure u dont have blood transmitted disease . when u r trying to conceive they give the prenatal vitamins there folic acid is mejor factor. Folic acid plays a important role in primary pregnancy when even u dont know u r pregnant.
it prevents the Birth diffects.