normal swelling vs. pre-eclampsia?

vrt235

I have not had any swelling the entire pregnancy until a few days ago.  My ankles are now painfully swollen.  My hands and feet are a little puffy but nothing major.

 How do you know when it is just normal swelling vs. pre-eclampsia??

Bonzer

when your BP is also elevated

sunnydays99

Pre-e will be accompanied by high blood pressure and protein in urine (both of which your Dr. should be monitoring at every appointment). 

vrt235

lolonyo:

Pre-e will be accompanied by high blood pressure and protein in urine (both of which your Dr. should be monitoring at every appointment). 

Sorry, I should have said I'm aware of that.  But how do you know before your next dr appt? LOL I guess you don't is my answer!

sunnydays99

vrt235:

lolonyo:

Pre-e will be accompanied by high blood pressure and protein in urine (both of which your Dr. should be monitoring at every appointment). 

Sorry, I should have said I'm aware of that.  But how do you know before your next dr appt? LOL I guess you don't is my answer!

I kinda figured you would know that!  I guess you really don't know until your appointment.  I often monitor my bp when I'm somewhere that has a pharmacy and a bp machine.  If it was really high and I had swelling I'd probably call the Dr.

mrsjrmiller

Do you have any means to check your BP?  Even if you had to go to the drug store and use one of the automated machines.  Also the swelling associated with pre-e is also predominately in the face and hands so if you are more swollen in those areas, there would be a greater risk. Call your dr and ask if you can come in today if you are not feeling right.

vrt235

I may swing by the pharmacy this afternoon to use their BP thing just to put my mind at ease.  I feel fine otherwise so I'm guessing it's just normal swelling.

Thanks ladies!!! 

elana80

A bad headache that doesn't go away with Tylenol is another sign of pre-e. Also, is the swelling in your hands and face severe? Swelling that's at the point of pitting edema is an indicator that it could be pre-e.

liv97

Also blurred vision is a sign of it.

mari_gold

If this is the first time you've had major swelling, I would get your BP checked ... just to be safe.

GINBLOSSEM

mrsjrmiller:

Do you have any means to check your BP?  Even if you had to go to the drug store and use one of the automated machines.  Also the swelling associated with pre-e is also predominately in the face and hands so if you are more swollen in those areas, there would be a greater risk. Call your dr and ask if you can come in today if you are not feeling right.

If you are going by simply the swelling symptom, you will notice it in your face and hands...ankle swelling can be very common in pregnancy.  When I had pre-e with my first, I was very swollen all over, and it came on gradually, so I never really noticed.  My mother in law said she could really tell how swollen I was (because she didn't see me daily) and when I look back at photos, I can definately tell.  Ask your SO if he sees it in your face.  And, as other posters said, if you are concerned, drop by a store/pharmacy and check your BP...if it is on the high side, call doc and be seen ASAP.  Good luck!

daisylmf

We live in the N.E. and the past two days have been in the 80's and I too have had swelling in my fingers, ankles and feet. ?Not major, but the ob told me it is likely due to the weather and not anything like pre-e, unless accompanied by headache and/or blurred vision. ?Drink more water (I know...) and put your feet up. ?If it doesn't go down, I'd call if you'll feel better.