Pre-E at 19 weeks. Can it go away?

liv97 · August 2009

I just got a message from my doctors saying my latest 24 hour urine was 350, and they are officially diagnosing me with pre-e. (My first test at approx 9 weeks was 283.) My BP was high (130/90) at many of my appointments, but has been lower recently (125/80), and I have been monitoring it at home with my own (doc approved) cuff and its averaging more like 120/75. (so probably mild white coat syndrome)

[I really don't like my doctors anyway (and am looking for new doctors), but I am wondering if the protein in urine is due to something else, but I'll save that conversation when and if I ever get to talk to my doctors about it.]

But I digress...has anyone had a realllly mild case of pre-e and had it go away? Or will it likely only get worse/stay the same? I really want to transfer to an awesome midwife group, but they won't take me if the ob's say I am too high risk (which they are now saying).

Or has anyone had protein in urine be the only symptom? Did your doctor give you any more information on whether that is good/bad/the same?

mrsjrmiller · August 2009

Do you have any kidney issues? Did they just do a urine test at 9 weeks to get a baseline?

I do not know many dr.s that will diagnosis pre-e before 20 weeks...but 19 is pretty close to that.... I am not sure what else can cause protein to be in your urine other than pre-e but perhaps there is something.

It sounds like your dr is being very proactive, which is a good thing and if you are showing signs of pre-e this early, you really want to be with a high risk dr or someone that is monitoring you closely.

That being said, my protein level has fluctuated throughout my pregnancy. It was right at 300 which gave me a mild pre-e dx but in subsequent tests it has been 280, and as low as 230. 300 is very mild pre-e and people can hang out a long time (usually on bed rest though) with mild pre-e..... when I had severe pre-e I was told pre-e does not go away, in best case scenarios it can stabilize.

So, I am not sure how much that does or does not help. It sounds like your BP has been go and the protein is pretty low - so who knows. I hope your dr. gives you the answers you need. Best of luck!

liv97 · August 2009

mrsjrmiller:
Do you have any kidney issues? Did they just do a urine test at 9 weeks to get a baseline?

Thanks!

They did it for a baseline, and I haven't had any kidney issues before (at least that I know of) but according to google (which sadly I trust more than my doctor these days) there are a lot of other things that can cause high protein levels, so I thought I'd ask.

tryingforbabyL · August 2009

(I am so sorry if me replying makes you worry more!)

But I wanted to add, I was in a simular situation as you. I also had a 24 urine early on for baseline (ob does it if you are overweight and have high BP).

I saw a very well respected peri doctor and she suspected that there was a preexisting issue that resulted in the suspected pre-e so early. she did EVERY test possible to check my kidneys. I would request they do that. If they find another condition they may be able to treat that and prolong with low grade pre-e.

I hope that helps.

Karmanmsw · August 2009

I have been struggling with pre-e this pregnancy (this is my 3rd pregnancy and I have had it with all 3). Pre-e can be very serious and can develop very quickly! Check out www.preeclampsia.org website for great info! IF you are not happy with your doctor definetely find a new obgyn but, in my opinion, you should see a doctor not a midwife! Your health and the health of you baby could be at risk! You are right that you could have protien for other issues but combined with a blood pressure that is increasing, it sounds like pre-e! Pre-e is diagnosed when you have a bp of 140/90 and either edema, or are spilling protien. I have never heard of a case of getting a diagnosis of pre-e and then it going away. the only cure is delivery.

jen5-03 · August 2009

Around here, no midwife would take you with that on your records.

Last pg I had several urine tests with low levels of protein while my BP was ok. At 37 weeks my BP shot up and I also had a higher level of protein, so my OB sent me to the hospital for more tests and a 24 hour urine test. Came back high so I was admitted for monitoring. Did another 24 hour urine test and... no protein. But my BP remained high. So in the end my diagnosis in my medical records was just PIH, not pre-e but my OB always referred to it as pre-e when talking to me.

So if it's pre-e, then no I don't think it can get better, but it might not get worse... but yes it can be something else.

liv97 · August 2009

Thanks all. I'll definitely see if I can find a doctor I like better who can confirm the diagnosis and hopefully give me some better information.

I_am_DCA · August 2009

A change from 280 to 350 before 20 weeks likely isn't that significant. You need to find an MFM (high risk ob/gyn). Sounds like you have chronic hypertension. To have super imposed pre eclampsia (over chronic hypertension) most MFMs would want to see a significant change in your 24 hr urine (like spilling 5 grams or more) or a significant increase in your BPs or evidence of end-organ damage.

You def. need a high risk doctor! There's no question.

Best of luck to you! I hope everything turns out well.

liv97 · August 2009

I_am_DCA:
Sounds like you have chronic hypertension.

I kind of doubt it? Until pregnancy, my BP at doc visits was normal, and since I've been home monitoring it's also been normal. And I haven't had 140/90 since early in first tri.

I have my 20 week u/s today with a high risk ob, so i'll try and pick her brain about what's going on. And I'm interviewing a new doc on Monday.

Thanks everyone!

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