Induced because of hypertension and not Pre E?

mommytimesfour

Has anyone been induced because of a few different high blood pressure readings that never turned into preeclampsia? Today at my routine OB visit, my doctor comes in and says "I got your induction scheduled" and I was floored. She diagnosed me with hypertension early on, since my blood pressure was high up until about 20 weeks. It's been great the last 3 appointments, with no trace of protein found in my urine. I figured since everything has been normal that I was in the clear for now. I told her I'd like to keep an eye on it and if everything continues to be fine up until the end I'd rather hold off on the induction. She said that would be okay, but she seemed very hesitant and explained the risks and how Pre E can come on very sudden. I'm not against induction and have had two very smooth inductions, I'm just surprised that induction is even on the table for me right now since everything has looked good. Does anyone else have a familiar story to share?

Sporty1216

I was induced due to hypertension, but that was decided at 39.5 when i called in and said I had been getting high readings at home (my office readings are always high, so I monitor BP at home and it had been normal until then). My OB had me come in for a non-stress test, we didn't pass, and my induction was started that evening... 

It does seem strange that it would just get scheduled without your being consulted....

Sarafuss

I was induced for hypertension at 37w4d in my last pregnancy.  I was in the hospital for a couple days for high BP at 35 weeks and that's when they decided on an induction around 37 weeks.  I was able to go home and check my BP often and I had to do several 24 hour urine collections in the time between 35 and 37 weeks.  I did have protein in my urine but not enough to label it pre-e.  It did increase with every 24 hour test so my MFM was confident that it would turn into pre-e if we let it go.  I also had pre-e in my first pregnancy so my history with it was a concern. 

I think you're right in taking the wait-and-see approach, especially if your BP has been normal lately.  Maybe you can suggest occasional 24-hour urine tests if she is concerned about sudden onset of pre-e?

mommytimesfour

Thanks for your responses. Starting next week I'll be going in weekly for a NST and I have an ultrasound scheduled in two weeks to check fluid levels and growth. I'm hoping everything stays right on track, but if not then I'll feel better about the induction if it's truly necessary for the safety of myself and my baby. 

camichael84

My experience isn't totally the same as yours, but I was diagnosed with chronic hypertension when I was 16 weeks pregnant with my first child. (I'd started getting high BP readings prior to pregnancy.) My OB prescribed Labetelol, and told me then, at 16 weeks, that I would have to be induced between 39-40 weeks. She never mentioned pre-e, but said there are concerns with IUGR and the placenta not holding up until 40 weeks when high BP is a factor (I believe the Labetelol plays into that as well). I had the extra monitoring that it sounds like you're having (weekly NSTs and growth ultrasounds). Everything always looked good, but I was scheduled for an induction for 39w3d (ended up going into labor at 39w1d). I don't believe we set it up until I was 36 weeks, though, and she definitely consulted with me first. 

jensou

I'm being induced at 37w for Gest hypertension. My doc told me two appts ago, so I knew it was coming. My understanding is that chronic htn is hard on the placenta and that is why once baby is at that golden 37w they go ahead and get you going. NSTs are starting in a couple of weeks too. It's a pain to go in and deal w parking, etc but I do love hearing the baby. I just keep trying to look at what positive things I can. Next anatomy scan (and placental eval) is the 15th. 

 I also have a history of pre-E but that was 16y ago. At that time, My BP was good throughout and then it shot up all of a sudden. Versus this time where my BP has been high since about 20w. And I've done 3 x 24h urines so far. Man they're a pain! Each time I have protein but not enough to diagnose as pre-E. 

Good luck and hope it all goes smoothly. Definitely recommend getting full explanation from your doc regarding your specific situation though. 

sarahg8r

I had no BP issues until 35 weeks when I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension and put on labetalol and bed rest. Had several ursine collections, weekly NSTs from then on. I never had protein in my urine, and didn't develop pre-e...my OB did tell me she wouldn't let me go to 40 weeks, though. Around 37 weeks, she scheduled my induction for 38+4. Ended up being induced at 38+2 because he wasn't doing well during the NST and they were sending me to L&D for the third time and I asked if we could just go ahead and do it!

Are you on meds?