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White coat hypertension threatening my VBAC hopes *long*

TreasaTreasa
in VBAC

My first son was born by emergency C-sec due to dangerously high bp brought on by pre-eclampsia & HELLPS.

I have been working towards a VBAC this time & obviously hoping against hope that the previous conditions do not rear their ugly heads. My midwife has a lot of faith in me having a VBAC, I am following the Brewers Diet for pre-eclampsia, reading everything I can get my hands on & have hired a doula.  I try to stay relaxed & unstressed but even so my bp tends to run normal to a little high (120 & up /70) under good circumstances.  However whenever I have to have it taken at a medical appt its through the roof no matter how chill I think I am!

I had a midwife's appt this morning.  Before I left I took my bp, nice at 118/63.  Just over an hour later it is 166/88 & I feel as relaxed as can be!!!  My midwife recorded it as the number I got earlier but had a frank talk with me.  Here is where I may have a problem - next month I have to meet with an OB-GYN at the hospital.  He has to assess me for VBAC suitability & sign me off (or not).  I guess it is the hospital's policy.  My midwife basically told me today if I can't get my bp (white coat or not) under control, the ob will have reservations about signing me off & will want to schedule a C for me.

She suggested I move my appt with the OB out another month so we can work on the bp issue.  Meanwhile I have to record my bp every day & bring it to her for my next appt.  I also have to bring my cuff to make sure the numbers line up with theirs.  She thinks doing this may help me plead my case to the OB.  She says that she has every confidence in me doing the VBAC & has says that she wants to come in to attend my birth even if she is not on call!  I appreciate her comments so much but I can't help feeling a nagging doubt about the whole thing & all because I can't control my otherwise ok-sih bp.

Sorry this turned out so long.  I guess I just needed to get it out.  I would appreciate any thoughts or similiar stories (hopefully sucessful) if you have them!

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Re: White coat hypertension threatening my VBAC hopes *long*

  • honkytonk_kidhonkytonk_kid member

    Recording it daily is definitely a good idea! As in moving the appointment back, IMO.

    When you meet with the OB, is it possible to get to the hospital/office really early, like 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment? Sit down, drink some water, meditate/ listen to music and chill out.

    My BP was always a good 20-30 points higher at OB visits than it had been at the MW, all stress related.

    Good luck!

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  • chicsubchicsub member

    My bp was a mental barrier this time as well, but ultimately was ok.  Were they using a cuff or a machine?  Taking it at the end of the appointment?  These were things I did that made a difference in readings.  I also wouldn't chat w. the nurse when she was taking my bp. 

    I had PIH last time and found this site after my c/s: https://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/lgbpcuffs.htm

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  • ryemoryemo member
    Two things...First, do you have bigger arms? I do-not huge obese arms but they've always been bigger than average-and my BP was high with the regular cuff but is fine when they use the larger cuff. Second, I did have some signs of pre-e in my first pregnancy and started taking omega threes and the amino acid L-arginine (both pills from health food store. I have done it this whole pregnancy with no high BP, swelling, protein in urine. Finally, what about trying acupuncture both to get the BP down and to work on the white coat syndrome?
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  • TreasaTreasa

    Thanks for the input ladies.

    I can rule out the bigger arms as I have pretty skinny arms & a bigger cuff can amost go twice around them Smile

    Ryemo I do think you are on to something with the omega threes. I had been eating flaxseed on a regular basis up until about 3 weeks ago when I ran out & forgot to get some more.  This whole pregnancy my bp has been ok-ish - high normal but not concering & even when I went for my appts.   Its interesting that when I haven't been taking my omegas my bp is up! So I am going back on my flaxseeds & I am also picking up some L-arginine.  Thank you so much for reminding me!

    I have also been considering accupunture for the high bp! Its worth a try & I hear its super relaxing too! 

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