How did you prepare yourself for Baby #2 with Pre-E hx?

bride711

Hi Ladies,

DH and I are thinking about baby #2 after having PP pre-e with our first. Of course, we are just starting to think of this and doing some research to find a new OB/High Risk MFM to carefully watch us the second time around.

I wanted to ask you ladies how you prepared yourself for baby #2 after experiencing pre-e. Mentally and Physcially?

Please provide any tips that you may have. Dh and I really want to have another baby and always planned it that way. But of course, we want to be as prepared as we can and do the right thing for us and my health but not scare ourselves out of having another baby.

Looking for Pre-e moms out there that can relate!

JillAly

I had pre-e and HELLP with my first child and got pre-e again with my 2nd.  I never had any doubt about having a second despite my horrible experience the first time.  Every pregnancy is so different and I knew that the doctors would be watching me so much more so it would never get to that point again.

With my 2nd child, I had protein in my urine at 28 weeks.  I was told to take it easy so I drove to work instead of taking the subway, I did very little walking, etc.  That got me to 33 1/2 weeks.  At 33 1/2 weeks, my BP started going up.  My doctor put me in the hospital on bed rest.  He didn't want to take any chances.  I had my daughter at 36 1/2 weeks.   Once I spent a few days in the hospital on bedrest, my BP and protein levels actually went down a bit and never got out of control - so bedrest worked for me.

My doctor said he would have allowed me to do bedrest at home except for 2 things:  I had a toddler and he knew I wouldn't be able to stay in bed and 2) it was July and 96 degrees everyday.  So if you can avoid being pregnant in the summer months, that is a good thing.  I was away from my son for a month and that was hard on both of us as well as for my husband who had to pick up the slack- but we all managed.

I think it also helped that I knew a lot more about pre-e.  I was able to be a good advocate for myself the second time.  I knew what the signs meant and I knew to call the doctor when I didn't feel right.  With my 1st pregnancy, I waited almost a week before calling the doctor when I didn't feel good.  The 2nd time I was in his office within an hour of feeling something was wrong.

Good luck!

MSUMamaof2

Bride, it depends on what you mean by "prepare."  If you mean completely remove the worry and stress that comes with being a high-risk pregnancy, IMO, that's impossible.  I didn't breathe that sigh of relief until the moment I heard DS2 cry (and actually, it wasn't a sigh of relief, it was a wail of happiness). 

DS2 wasn't planned, so we "prepared" on the fly.  It wasn't my preferred method of planning, but we did the best we could with what we had.  At that point, I had done lots of research on HELLP and pre-e, so I knew what to expect if things happened to go south.  I made sure to find the best high-risk doctor in my area.  I researched the best NICU and visited it.  DH and I discussed what our plan of action for DS1 would be if I ended up on strict or hospital bed rest (I am a SAHM).  I am also obese, so I had been in Weight Watchers for 6 months prior to getting pregnant (I had lost 40 pounds off my pre-pregnant weight with DS1 by the time I got pregnant).  It was my goal to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant, but at least I was able to lose the weight I did.   

During my pregnancy, I tried to restrict my sodium intake to around 1500mg per day.  I made sure to keep all my OB appointments and I took my BP at home religiously.  I was as forthcoming to my OB about any changes in my condition, and when I had concerns, regardless of how small I thought they might be, I called--even if it was 2am.     

While it might not be a popular position to take on TB, I make no apologies for my faith and belief in God--it got me through my pregnancy.  I prayed.  I prayed a lot.  It gave me peace in such a time of uncertainty. 

EmilyGrosnong

I had pre-e & emergency c-section with DD at about 32wks. She weighed 3lbs. 4oz. It was scary and she spent 24 days in the NICU. However I really wanted another baby. It took DH and I over 3years TTC before we actually got PG and alot of research and the right OBGYN can really help ease your mind. It doesn't take all the stress out of your situation but knowing what to expect and what to watch for really helps. And to try to remember that just because you had it with one doesnt necessarilly mean you will have it again. I am currently 33wks. 3 days and so far not a sign of pre-e. Your doc. will keep a close eye on you and I check my bp a couple times a day just to be sure it isn't rising in between appts. I think that it has really helped ease my fears. Plus DH makes sure I don't do too much. It is a hard decision if you weigh in the risk factors... I did almost die the first pg but I really think that it is worth it. Just take care of yourself try not to work too hard and do alot of research! Good luck with your decision. 

mzpink3

I had pre e with my first but not my second. I had it with the 3rd and now the 4th (and last) all of my girls have given me pre e! I don't think that you can do much to prepare my Dh and I just started with a baseline 24 hr with my OB so we can tell if and when it came. I did in my layette however add a few NB size and 1-3 set premie just in case. Honestly there is not much you can do because it is not certain that with each preg you will have pre e just because you have had it once. Good luck!

ruthiewith

I had severe pre-e with DS and was induced at 31 weeks.  For baby number two I did research on various high risk practices and did a consult with a maternal fetal/high-risk doc at a major hospital with a NICU.  That meeting went well and I asked all of my questions and got in-depth answers from her.  That made me feel better and I decided to go to their high-risk practice after that meeting.  I trust that I'm getting that best care with them and my doc specializes in pre-e, so they've got a close eye on me.  Physically, I've felt fine this pregnancy, but the anxiety and stress have never really gone away. And I don't think that it will until I deliver the baby.  My goal (not that I can really control it, lol) is to make it past 31 weeks and go on bed rest if I get pre-e again.  I'm coming up with a plan now for work in case I have to go on bed rest. Good luck to you!!