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Extreme Edema and Natural Childbirth

andij1616andij1616 member
in Natural Birth
I'm currently on hospital bedrest due to mile pre-eclampsia.  Because my kidneys have not been functioning correctly, I am VERY swollen from the waist down.  I have gained 40 lbs in fluid in the last 2 weeks.  If the pre-e stays at a mild level, they want to induce me at 37 weeks.  If things turn severe, then I will be induced before then.  My husband and I took a Bradley class, and I was really hoping for a natural childbirth, but now I'm starting to wonder how realistic that is.  I know it is challenging, but possible, to have pitocin without an epidural.  I am becoming more worried about how all of the swelling will affect my ability to labor naturally, as it is currently very difficult for me to walk or move around much at all.  Has anyone else been able to have a natural childbirth despite extreme edema?  TIA!

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Re: Extreme Edema and Natural Childbirth

  • catsinawindowcatsinawindow member

    imageandij1616:
    I'm currently on hospital bedrest due to mile pre-eclampsia.  Because my kidneys have not been functioning correctly, I am VERY swollen from the waist down.  I have gained 40 lbs in fluid in the last 2 weeks.  If the pre-e stays at a mild level, they want to induce me at 37 weeks.  If things turn severe, then I will be induced before then.  My husband and I took a Bradley class, and I was really hoping for a natural childbirth, but now I'm starting to wonder how realistic that is.  I know it is challenging, but possible, to have pitocin without an epidural.  I am becoming more worried about how all of the swelling will affect my ability to labor naturally, as it is currently very difficult for me to walk or move around much at all.  Has anyone else been able to have a natural childbirth despite extreme edema?  TIA!

    I'm very sorry you are going through this.  PreE is tough for anyone, but I think for us natural-minded ladies it adds another dimension of difficultly.  I'll keep my fingers crossed that baby stays put until 37 weeks.

    As for natural birth hopes, I didn't notice any issue with the swelling, other than it leading to more general uncomfortableness.    What posed more of an issue for me was the magnesium sulfate I was required to be on to control BP and prevent seizures and the things that went along with it (continuous monitering, IV, confined to bed, feeling generally like crap).  Maybe ask your doctor if you'll need to have Mag Sulfate during labor and what your restrictions will be. 

    Even with mag sulfate, not having pain-meds will still be possible, but more difficult (imo).  Maybe you could ask your Bradley instructor for tips/thoughts?

    Best of luck!


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    BFP#2:  EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13

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  • andij1616andij1616 member

    Thanks for your response!  The docs have mentioned that they will give me Mag Sulfate during labor.  Sad  I have started reading about it to get an idea of what to expect.  Honestly, I am pretty freaked out.  I wish I could talk to my Bradley instructor, but she isn't very helpful.  I will keep trying to research online.  Thanks again!


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  • catsinawindowcatsinawindow member

    Mag Sulfate affects different people differently.  Some people have no issues with it what-so-ever, some people have many.  When you read the lists of side-effects, remember, that's every possible side effect.  You'll likely not get them all.

    Ask your OB what restrictions you'll have because of the Mag, and what is negotiable vs. non-negotiable.  Mag sucks (at least for some of us) but it's important for PreE mamas, and you'll get through it.

    Feel free to page me, or the other PreE mamas on this board if you would like some more advice.  It's very unfortunate that your Bradley instructor isn't offering much help.

    Best of luck, and great job keeping that baby inside as long as possible!

     


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    BFP#2:  EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13

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