High Anxiety

Emott13

So let me start off by saying tha I've always had high anxiety about my health, so I apologize if this post is ridiculously pessimistic and juvenile sounding, but I am terrified! My last pregnancy ended when I delivered my daughter (without any health problems for her, thank God) after having been diagnosed with preeclampsia. I do not have any of the other risk factors like previous heart problems or being overweight, but I am absolutely horrified of losing my baby or having a life-threatening complication from preeclampsia with this pregnancy. I know that there are as-of-yet unproven therapies like calcium supplements or baby aspirin that some people swear by in order to prevent preeclampsia, but has anyone on here ever had preeclampsia in one pregnancy and not the next? How do you NOT worry about it? I find myself checking my own blood pressure like ten times a day just to make sure there hasn't been any change, and I still have 31 weeks to go. There is so much weird stuff going on in my body it's hard not to worry about missing some sort of sign of rising blood pressure. Anyway, I guess I'm just looking for anyone in the same situation and/or someone who has tips on dealing with anxiety about complications. Thanks, and sorry this is so long! Me, baby, and DH all thank you.

willashbaby

Ask you dr and take the baby aspirin. I'm high risk for Pre E due to my weight and I'm taking it as a precaution. So far so good but I feel better just knowing I'm doing what I can to help prevent it.

SummerOH

My sister had undiagnosed pre-e with her first, born in 2012.  Horrible, horrible doctor who should lose her license.  She almost killed my sister, and my nephew ended up in NICU for a week.  My sister is super healthy and fit and pre-e doesn't run in our family.

Due to her first pregnancy and being 35, she was monitored VERY closely with her second one, born this May.  She had extra ultrasounds along the way and weekly NSTs and ultrasounds for the last 2 months.  Her BP did run in the 140s the whole time, which is very high for her (ours both run in the 90s-100s), and she experienced some protein in her urine off and on.  The doctor ended up putting her on bed rest for a week and then induced at 39 weeks.  But she had a quick labor (5 hours) and smooth delivery - even went med-free!

She was like you, and probably like most women would be in the same situation - super nervous and scared.  She asked her doctor question after question until she felt comfortable, though.  Don't be afraid to ask your doctor lots of questions.  And your doctor should be monitoring you closely with this pregnancy.  But it's very possible to have complications with one pregnancy and not the other!

Also (sorry this is already super long) - I have a good friend who had HELLP with her first and had an emergency c-section at 30 weeks.  Her second pregnancy was textbook with no issues.  Fingers crossed yours is the same! 

Emott13

Thanks, guys. I guess sometimes it's just nice to know I'm not alone and that things can change!