Accidental XP - For the ladies who have swollen hands, feet, and legs..

Codi-Bailey · August 2011

is your blood pressure going up as well? I know they're sometimes connected but not always. I had an appointment today and my blood pressure was 130/76. I asked what my blood pressure was at the two previous appointments and on July 20, it was 124/68 and July 6th, it was 102/64. It's definitely getting higher and higher. I NEVER have high blood pressure, so it's a little concerning. My doctor just wants to keep an eye on me. She said if it gets to be too high, they will induce at 37 weeks or later. Eek.

ETA: Posted on 3rd tri by accident.

lmjt · August 2011

Extra fluid can contribute to higher blood pressure, but that doesn't mean pre-e for everyone. My old OB said as long as the dystolic pressure (bottom #, my spelling is crap) doesn't go over 95, she wasn't worried. Its ok if your pressure is higher than your normal, as long as it isn't too high.

reg224 · August 2011

I was told the same thing at my appointment yesterday. My bp was high at my 34 week appt and then even higher yesterday.Before that, I have never had high bp. So now, i am doing the 24 urine test to check for pre-e. I've been swollen and have had headaches for the last 2 weeks, so they just wanna check and keep an eye on things. In the meantime, I am trying to take it easy. I was also told that if I am positive for pre-e, then they will induce early. Baby is measuring ahead anyway, so an early induction isnt concerning my OB. Just try to take it easy while your doctor monitors things. T&P coming your way!

songbird421 · August 2011

I've been plumped-up like a ballpark frank, but my BPs have been pretty stable throughout my pregnancy. The swelling in my hands tends to pretty much go away by lunch, and because I sit at a desk all day my feet and legs can get pretty large, especially by the end of the week. Talked to my OB about it 2 weeks ago and she wasn't concerned - said to avoid salty foods but not to sodium-restrict.

Hang in there! There are so many factors that contribute to blood pressure.

GdAsAu · August 2011

If it makes you feel any better, my blood pressure has been elevated this entire pregnancy. Not so much that I need meds and my urine test always comes back with no protein...ive done multiple 24 urine screens as well as bloodwork and all come back great. Its just my blood pressure is up...this morning I had a scare. When my bp was first taken at the beg of my appt, it was 150/90...eek! Then by the end of the appt, it was 130/70. So I am in the clear for today, but I am up-ed to going every week for appts starting now and I have another ultrasound scheduled in 3 weeks to check on the babys growth (I just had one last week too). I never had high bp before pregnancy so this is all new to me too. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone...

camdenfaithful · August 2011

First of all I just wanted to say you look phenomenal in your siggy pic! So pretty!

Secondly, I have noticed that my BP is starting to slowly creep up. Nothing to be alarmed over and nothing my OB has even commented on, it's just going up slightly. I also don't have any swelling so I don't think the BP and swelling are always related.

I wonder if you're noticing it more because I know in 2nd tri your BP tends to be pretty low and then it starts to rise again as you get into 3rd tri.

backinpgh · August 2011

I have some swelling in my feet and hands, but my MW said she wasn't worried because my BP has always been totally normal.

heateacher · August 2011

I have minor swelling in my hands and feet, and yes, my bp has been on the rise. My midwife said the numbers to watch for are anything over 140 on top and 90 on bottom - but of those, the bottom is the more important one. Currently I'm running around 155/85. I'm on weekly appointments starting now, plus weekly repeats of bloodwork and 24 hour urine tests. My first 24 hour urine showed elevated proteins. And if it continues rising I may be placed on full bedrest (as opposed to the activity restriction I'm on now) and induced early.

I was also told to watch out for severe headaches, vision changes (like seeing spots), and dizziness, as those can be signs that my bp is not good.