HBP reoccur and not able to VBAC?

sdegrootmom3

First I should introduce myself, I am more of a lurker but sometimes feel the need to post. So Hi!! I am a STM and with my first I ended up with high blood pressure starting around 30 weeks, never any protein (or pre-e symptoms) just HBP. I was on bed rest for 1/2 days from 34 weeks and then no work at 36 weeks. I was induced at 38.5 weeks because the BP just continued to climb and then 12 hours into the induction had an emergency c-section due to the fact my DS decided he was ready to wave hello to all the doctors and nurses when I was only 5cm dialated and the MW broke my water, then the distress for baby started. I never even had any real contractions, I was comfortable the whole time.

My question is has anyone else had unexplained HBP with one child and did it happen again with the next? I know every body and pregnancy is different but I am just curious on others experiences. My doctor said that if I lost weight before the next one it might help the BP issues, I have never had BP issues before but of course no weight lost so here I am wonding if I will have the HBP again. I know its early to worry but if I end up with the HBP again my doctor will have to re-evaluate my VBAC plans! I am really hoping to a least have a trial of labor this time. Sorry so long!

A37licia

This doesn't directly answer your question, but in my worries about BP in my first pregnancy, I did a lot of reading about what I could do if it climbed, and there seemed to be compelling anecdotal information about a high protein diet being good to regulate bp. In research and learning about nutrition since then, I have also come to believe having a sufficient store of magnesium is incredibly beneficial for pregnancy, with regular BP being one of the possible benefits. Think about how they give mag sulf in an IV if pre-eclamptic. There are various best ways to supplement, and skin absorption is the best, either in a spray or a lotion. (search for magnesium oil on amazon, I make my own). There also seems to be significant improvement in morning sickness with proper levels of magnesium, and a lessened occurrence of late pregnancy ailments such as poor sleep, difficulty falling asleep, cramps and excessive BH.

I did eat a higher protein diet and my bp was fine. I don't have a history of high bp in pregnancy, so take that for whatever its worth. I've heard a lot of stories of midwifery care usually involving putting mom on a high protein diet (80-100g a day) to successfully stave off pre e or PIH.  This pregnancy, my third, I am supplementing with magnesium as well and look forward to the overall improvements it gives me at the end of my pregnancy.

sdegrootmom3

Thank you!! I will talk to my doctor and see if she is ok with me taking Magnesium either through supplement or the oil you mentioned. If i can do anything to prevent the PIH than its worth asking about! also if it can help with morning sickness that would be great I had it until almost 28 weeks with my son and still have it at almost 16 weeks with this one! I will also increase my protein intake I dont see that as a problem I seem to be craving meat this time around. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!

margeincharge3

I had HELLP with my first pregnancy. I was very concerned about getting HELLP/having problems with my bp the 2nd time around. I met with my MFM specialist and she said that unfortunately, there isn't much known about PIH to demonstrate would could prevent it. According to her, diet is really not something that can prevent PIH. I have heard of the Brewer Diet (as the pp mentioned with the high protein) but there is no evidence of that diet being effective in preventing PIH.

My MFM did recommend I take a mini-aspirin a day. She said that some studies have shown that to have a small effect in reducing the incidence of PIH in subsequent pregnancies. I did take the mini-aspirin because it was an easy thing to do. It was the only thing I did differently between my two pregnancies. I did not develop HELLP or any bp issues with my 2nd pregnancy. But I don't know that the pill had an impact or if I wasn't going to get it again.

My personal view is that getting HELLP the first time was just a fluke and there was nothing I did to cause it and nothing I could have done to prevent it. I had a very healthy first pregnancy and got terribly sick. It was just crappy luck. My 2nd pregnancy was so much different and I felt so much better. I am grateful for that. I hope you have the same experience the 2nd time around!

A37licia

SDeGroot:

Thank you!! I will talk to my doctor and see if she is ok with me taking Magnesium either through supplement or the oil you mentioned. If i can do anything to prevent the PIH than its worth asking about! also if it can help with morning sickness that would be great I had it until almost 28 weeks with my son and still have it at almost 16 weeks with this one! I will also increase my protein intake I dont see that as a problem I seem to be craving meat this time around. Thanks again for taking the time to reply!

FYI, I would be prepared for your OB to dismiss the idea of magnesium helping. I'd encourage you to do your own research though, most people are deficient in this important mineral. 

LLB430

With my first pregnancy the hbp started at 30 weeks, dd was born via c-section at 36w6d, due to my bp, c-section due to her being breech.  I did not develop hbp until post partum this time.  I had an amazing induced vbac.  One  of thedoctors in the practice did say if I developed hbp during pregnancy I would not be able to have a vbac.  My blood pressure started to go up 2 days post partum, I blamed it on the blood patch they gave me for a spinal headache (it was quite a nerve wracking experiences)  but at a week post partum I started to develop horrible headaches and my bp was really elevated,  I started meds and am still on them.

I was shocked it did not go during my pregnancy. I remained optomistic that it wouldnt go up and was shocked I sailed through the pregnancy. 

Good Luck to you!!

LLB430

I also took a mini aspirin with my second pregnancy.

DiveFrog

I am kinda late to this post but just wanted to offer another perspective.

During my pregnancy my BP was borderline from around 25weeks,and my midwives were definitely watching it after 30 weeks. It was up and down, but what they considered borderline. Then week 35 came along and I had a fairly rapid onset of pre-e. Which resulted in a long unsuccessful induction and quite horrible c-section.

Needless to say I am not looking forward to the possibility of a repeat experience with pregnancy numer two. However, when I did my research on pre-e my conclusion is it really is out of our control. 

For pregnancy #1 I was using a daily baby asprin, I was eating a high protein diet (the Bradley method recommends it), I was taking magnesium supplements (I used them to help me sleep better and avoid muscle cramps). The only thing I have found that I might try next time was a study that indicated calcium could possibly help reduce the incidence of HBP and pre-e...maybe. I am not holding out hope on that though since I was taking a multi vitamin with calcium, drank milk and ate dairy while pregnant the first go round.  

Really I am most hopeful about my chance of not having pre-e again based on what I have seen from other friends and family and what my midwife told me after I had DD. I soecifically asked her what my chances were of having pre-e again. She said that pre-e is primarily a first pregnancy disease. Around 90% of women who have it once will not have it for subsequent pregnancies. This seems to hold true with the women friends and family I know too. I remain hopeful I am not part of the 10% reoccurrence rate.