Help needed understanding blood pressure...

YouMe&Bax

So I had my appointment today - my blood pressure has gone up even more since I started bed rest.  At the doctor's office it was 154/94.  So, she prescribed a home cuff and I'm not monitor myself 4x/day resting and also when I'm up and about (I get 3 hours out of bed).  

Anyway - I checked it tonight about 4 hours after the appointment and it was 136/104.  So, one number went down, but one went up, so I'm not sure if that's good or bad or indifferent.  I've never needed to know how to read BP b/c mine was always textbook perfect before being pregnant.  So, if anybody can explain it to me, or has a good website that can, I'd really appreciate it!  I've googled but haven't found much that makes sense.  Not sure if I'm googling the wrong keywords or what. 

Thanks ladies!! 

DahliaFlower

These are both quite high.  The second number being in the 90's and 100's would be quite high even if you weren't pregnant.  The fluctuation in the top number can be usual variation related to your activity or differences in detection related to the cuff / machine taking the pressure.

You are expecting twins in Oct, I see in your siggy, but how many weeks are you?  Has your doctor talked to you about delivering soon?  You may be developing pre-eclampsia.  Has your doctor checked your urine recently?

YouMe&Bax

I will be 32 weeks on Friday (I can't get a ticker to work in my siggy anymore).  

2  weeks ago my numbers were high, but not this high and they checked my urine for protein - but there wasn't any.   I have other signs of pre-e too: headaches, spots in my vision, loss of feeling in my fingertips/tingly fingers, light headedness, etc.  So that's why she put me on bed rest - hoping it'd help the BP and other symptoms.  The only thing it helped was the swelling go down.  She tested my urine again today and still no protein. 

She said today that I will need to monitor at home for two days and the call her Thursday afternoon with the results.  From there we will discuss a 24 hour urine analysis to see if it is spilling in and they are just not catching it at the doctors.  If not, we will then discuss BP medication.  

She said at this point she doubts I'll make it to 37 weeks (which was our goal) but didn't say exactly when she thought I'd deliver.  She set my first "goal" at 34 weeks before we discuss delivery if at all possible. 

WSatisfiedP

My dr explained that the bottom number was the most concerning and he didn't want to see it in the 90s or above

amy11401

Considering that the bottom number was so high I would call the doctor before Thursday and let them know your numbers.

juliane2004

Ditto @amy11401. Call sooner.

YouMe&Bax

I was wondering that myself, if I should call earlier.  When I woke up today it was 134/90 - so the bottom number is down.  I'll keep an eye on it and if it creeps back up I'll call and ask if they want me to do anything about it.  Thanks guys  

Stephanie2167

I'm supposed to call if its ever over 140/90. I'd give them a call. They may put you in the hospital for monitoring.

DahliaFlower

32 weeks is pretty good.  My very good friend was delivered at 35 weeks w/ twins and pre-eclampsia and her babies did great.  I agree w/ PP about calling doctor.  Since you are having other symptoms, especially.  Remember that you are also at higher risk for bad things like abruption w/ elevated pressures like that.  I would probably push for more aggressive management, such as meds, possibly hospital admission for closer monitoring.  

YouMe&Bax

I'm officially annoyed with my doctors office. 

I ended up calling yesterday right before they closed.  My doctor was out but the on-call doctor said "make sure you rest in bed, with your feet up and drink water".  Um, that's it?! Clearly that method hasn't worked in 2 weeks, things were getting worse, how are they going to help now?  

Hoping my doctor calls me this morning with better information. 

slh6363

@youme&bax I am going through the same thing! My BP at home has been 150/100s ....been to L&D twice now and been released. The checked for pre-e and that came back fine so now they don't even seem concerned! Every time I call the doc they tell me the same thing!

YouMe&Bax

@sih6363 - it's so annoying!! My regular doctor finally called me back today (w/out me even calling her!) to discuss the numbers.  She's put me on blood pressure medication and has ordered a 24 hour urine analysis! Finally, progress. 

slh6363

I have an appt today so am hoping for some answers and a plan!