2nd Pregnancy - PreE again??

duvaltobe

I had Pre-eclampsia during my first pregnancy and delivered my daughter a month early.  I am pregnant again.  Anyone have PreE for their 1st pregnancy and NOT have it for their 2nd?  Is there hope?!

JillAly

I'm curious to know the answer too- I had it with my first pregnancy and my doctor decided to have me go see a BP specialist throughout my pregnancy this time.  I think he expects me to get it again.  I really hope not!

misma09

My SIL had pre-e with her first. Her bp was 180/100 when she went into the hospital. Her second she had 6 years later, and no pre-e. I'm not sure if she did anything different the second time around or not- but it is definitley possible to have a normal pregnancy the second time.

reya_5

I am also very curious to know. I had PreE with my first child and I had to deliver early. With this pregnancy my doc put me on Baby Aspirin 80 mg dose/day. I am also very much worried for its re-occurence. I dont know why my OBGY did not refer to BP specialist. I will def check with him at my next apptt. Hope everything goes well with all of us.

MrsMSG

Developed pre-e at 33w with DS1; developed pre-e at 24w with DS2; on ridiculous amounts of meds right now with DD1, and so far, so good.

grapeape73

I had pre-e with DD #1 that meds couldn't control.  I was on bedrest for 2 months and delivered at 37 weeks. 

With this pg I was on babyaspirin prior to conception and told to stay on it throughout pregnancy.  I was put on Labetalol at 21 weeks when my BP started to go up when I had bronchitis. So far my  BP is fine and all my 24 hour urines are great.  (The first one I failed, but then meds have helped my kidneys funtion better.)

So I will be 36 weeks on Wednesday and still up and around with great numbers.

ginleigh

Lots of people have preeclampsia with a first pregnancy and don't get it with a second, though they are more likely to get it than someone who has never had pree at all.  A lot of times the point in pregnancy you got it the first time helps predict, according to my dr.  I got it really, really early (23.5 weeks diagnosed, but it was coming on at least a couple weeks before) and it progressed to HELLP syndrome, so I am at really high risk for getting it again...but I was also subsequently diagnosed with blood clotting disorders which contributed to the issue, and no am on Lovenox to help prevent it or at least make it much, much later (we hope).  So, there is hope.

SamsMom91

I noticed no one posted a "success" story, so let me give you mine.  My first son was born at 35 weeks, 5 days due to severe pre-e and HELLP Syndrome.  My kidneys and liver had completely failed by the time Samuel was delivered and my platelet count was hovering around 60,000.  My BP was 180/130 for about 2 weeks.  Luckily, Samuel and I made a full recovery.  My third pregnancy (second son) was completely unplanned and I didn't even have an OB in the new area we moved to after delivering Samuel.  It was suggested I contact a MFM in our area, and that ended up being the best thing I ever did.  I asked him straight out what my chances were of making it through my second pregnancy without dying (yeah, Samuel's delivery was that serious) or developing pre-e or HELLP.  He told me I had a 20% chance of developing pre-e again and a less than 5% chance of developing HELLP.  He told me (like ginleigh said) that the time at which my pre-e and HELLP occurred was a big predictor of whether or not I'd get either again, and in his experience, when pre-e occurs in the 3RD TRIMESTER, it's more than likely a 1ST PREGNANCY ISSUE. 

Elijah Robert was born on 11/23 at 38 weeks, 5 days via repeat c-section weighing 11 pounds, 10 ounces.  My BP started to rise at 30 weeks and I was put on medication and a modified bed rest.  I never did develop pre-e or HELLP again.  

So yeah, it is possible!!!!!!  Thinking good thoughts for you!  I know it's scary, but try not to concentrate on the "what ifs."  Understand the risks and focus on your milestones (30 weeks, 35 weeks, 37 weeks).  You have no control over what will be.      

Breezy.Lives

I can't post a success or personal story, as I've only been pregnant once and have an underlying condition that pre-disposes me to pree (so my personal likelihood of pree in a second pregnancy is considered the same as the first).

 

BUT - I attended a symposium for patients in survivors that the Preeclampsia Symposium organized in October.  It was incredible.  If you haven't been to their forums, I would highly recommend them for information and personal stories about preeclampsia.

Anyway - your risk of preeclampsia in a second pregnancy is lower than in a first, especially if the father is the same.  There is a theory that preeclampsia is an autoimmune issue, and new paternity causes the body to go a little hayware.  Also, there is some reduced risk if you are pregnant 2-4 years after the first (I believe it's 2-4 years - I could go grab my binder and check for sure) -- but there is also some thought that that's because as you get further out from the first pregnancy, the incidence of new paternity goes up.

It was quite a fascinating day of information.  I came away full of hope and some of the most personally useful information I've been able to find.

mommy2isaiah

I had Pre-E with my first pregnancy..my son was born at 32 weeks.  He did amazing!  Now we're pregnant with our 2nd son and I started showing signs of Pre-E again SUPER early..right around 12 weeks.  High BP, Protein in my urine and swelling...  I've been on Lebatalol (sp?) for a couple months and I'm monitored by a team of HR docs every few weeks, along with my OB.  They assume this baby will come around 28 weeks but since I'm being so closely monitored they will do everything in their power to keep him in until at least 32. I go on bedrest sometime next month...ugh.

 

I'll keep you in my prayers!

chr1st1ine

I had severe pree with my first pregnancy and delivered Christopher at 29 weeks 5 days via emergency C-section.  My BP was astronomical and stayed up for about 5 weeks after delivery.  Christopher is now 13 months and awesome, no developmental delays or problems.

I am now 11 weeks pregnant with #2 and saw my OB today.  He told me that I have a 30% chance of pree again.  He also said that in 21 years he has never seen severe pree twice in the same person.  He said that usually if it occurs again it is later, around 35-38 weeks and moderate.   Last time my symptoms started around 26 weeks so, this time they will monitor heavily around that time and forward from there.  I am also supposed to take my BP every day and watch it just in case.

Good luck everyone!

JillAly

Breezy.Lives:

Anyway - your risk of preeclampsia in a second pregnancy is lower than in a first, especially if the father is the same.  There is a theory that preeclampsia is an autoimmune issue, and new paternity causes the body to go a little hayware. 

I find that fascinating- especially since I had PUPPS during my last pregnancy and I'm convinced that it contributed to my pre-e.  PUPPS is an allergic reaction to the baby's DNA - half of course contributed by the father.  I wonder if there is any connection between the two.  I know I was so miserable that I cried all the time and I think it drove my BP straight up.  Anyone else have PUPPS and get pre-e?

bsadler81

I had pre-e with my DD Gracie she was born at 24 weeks.  I was so scared to have another baby, especially sense my first Ob appt. and the dr scared me half to death.  He told me that my pre-e was so severe the first time that it would likley happen quicker this pregnancy and stronger than the first.  I was FREAKED.  Well so far I'm almost 28 weeks w/no sigh (knock on wood) of pre-e.  I do have elevated bp's but I'm on meds to contol this.  Also I'm watched very closely.  I know that I may or may not get pre-e again and I know that if I do it's not my fault just like it wasn't my fault the first time!  Pre-e starts at conception and no one has control over it!  It really helped me to understand this.  I had so much guilt over my Gracie being born so early, but now I know that there was nothing I could have done from day one to have prevented pre-e.  I know I'm rambling, but what I really want to say is that some things are worth the risk and this baby I'm carring is def. worth it!!  Good luck to you

HeatherRyan

Thanks for all these stories.  I had severe pre-e and HELLP with my DS and delivered at 36w4d with him via emergency C.  My BP was 210 over 110 and my liver and kidneys were failing and platelets crazy.  I am 30 weeks today and they are watching me closely.  Praying it doesn't happen again.  Good luck to all of you!

mrsjrmiller

I will chime in as well...

I had severe pre-e with DS. Had him at 27 weeks. I saw an MFM, was told I had no underlying disorders but the likelihood of me getting pre-e again was about 60%. She said it is not if you get it but when and how severe.

At 21 weeks my BP was elevated and I had protein in my urine. My platelets were low. I went on bedrest strict, at home - with a 15 mo old - starting at 21 weeks... My BP went down, platelets back to normal and never more than a trace of protein until 32 weeks. The protein appeared and I had a significant drop in platelets. I was put on hospital bed rest. She wanted me to get to 34 weeks. I had my DD by scheduled C section at 37 weeks. So yes, I got it again... but the MFM was so proactive and I was so diligent in my bed rest that I know that bought my DD time on the inside... Bed rest SUCKED. 16 weeks, 5 in hospital but it was better than the 66 days I spent with my DS in the NICU.

 

SamsMom91

mrsjrmiller:

I will chime in as well...

I had severe pre-e with DS. Had him at 27 weeks. I saw an MFM, was told I had no underlying disorders but the likelihood of me getting pre-e again was about 60%. She said it is not if you get it but when and how severe.

At 21 weeks my BP was elevated and I had protein in my urine. My platelets were low. I went on bedrest strict, at home - with a 15 mo old - starting at 21 weeks... My BP went down, platelets back to normal and never more than a trace of protein until 32 weeks. The protein appeared and I had a significant drop in platelets. I was put on hospital bed rest. She wanted me to get to 34 weeks. I had my DD by scheduled C section at 37 weeks. So yes, I got it again... but the MFM was so proactive and I was so diligent in my bed rest that I know that bought my DD time on the inside... Bed rest SUCKED. 16 weeks, 5 in hospital but it was better than the 66 days I spent with my DS in the NICU.

 

Mrsjr! Holy smokes, long time no see! How are the kids?

mrsjrmiller

SamsMom91:

mrsjrmiller:

I will chime in as well...

I had severe pre-e with DS. Had him at 27 weeks. I saw an MFM, was told I had no underlying disorders but the likelihood of me getting pre-e again was about 60%. She said it is not if you get it but when and how severe.

At 21 weeks my BP was elevated and I had protein in my urine. My platelets were low. I went on bedrest strict, at home - with a 15 mo old - starting at 21 weeks... My BP went down, platelets back to normal and never more than a trace of protein until 32 weeks. The protein appeared and I had a significant drop in platelets. I was put on hospital bed rest. She wanted me to get to 34 weeks. I had my DD by scheduled C section at 37 weeks. So yes, I got it again... but the MFM was so proactive and I was so diligent in my bed rest that I know that bought my DD time on the inside... Bed rest SUCKED. 16 weeks, 5 in hospital but it was better than the 66 days I spent with my DS in the NICU.

 

Mrsjr! Holy smokes, long time no see! How are the kids?

Hey girl!  I started working again so I am back to bumping... hanging out on 3-6 some but I look over here every now and then!  How are you?? We're great! Kids are doing good. I wish Lauren would STTN but she'll get there, eventually! Your little guys are adorable!