Anyone Diagnosed with Pre-E?

rsideemd · July 2012

Or had it with a previous pregnancy? My blood pressure's been a little high for the entire pregnancy and they recently found a slightly higher than normal level of protein in my urine. Other than the protein, I have no symptoms of pre-e. The doctors believe the cause is my high blood pressure, but they're doing more tests to be sure. If the levels stay the same or go down, I'll be in good shape. If they go up, I'll more than likely be diagnosed with pre-e. I'm absolutely scared out of my mind. The doctor I saw today (not my regular one) had me in tears telling me I'll probably have the baby between 32 and 34 weeks, have seizures, pains, and blurry vision. I know she's trying to prepare me for the worst, but I wish she would have waited until I get the final results back.

I guess I'm just wondering how someone else's experiences with this is going or has gone in the past. I don't know what to do. I'm just really scared about all of those things happening now.

Thoughts and prayers would be appreciated.

carladillon · July 2012

Oh my goodness...what a way to get your BP even higher. Crikey!

I had pre-e with my first. I started doing 24 hour urine samples around 29 weeks or so. And I was put on modified bed rest at that point as well (I was able to work at my desk job, but off my feet at home). At my 37 week appt I was put on full bed rest, but was admitted for induction 2 days later based on my final 24 hour urine sample. I was very swollen (Homer Simpson feet) and my BP was elevated (but not super duper high). I didn't experience seizures, blurred vision, abdominal pain or blurry vision. However, I did not tolerate the induction well and it turned into an emergency c/s. I was kept an extra Day because of my BP and was on meds for a month post partum. I didn't realize how serious it could have been until afterwards.

When is your next appt? Was your urine a 24 hour sample? If not and was the regular pee in the cup sample, then I think the doc is being a little premature in telling you what he did.

mswood1977 · July 2012

I currently am in the hospital on bed rest for per-e. I have had higher blood pressure for several weeks but don't develop actual per-e until 33 weeks. The plan is the keep me here in bed rest, giving me medicine for my blood pressure and monitoring me and the baby until I deliver. They hope to get me to 37 weeks. So far everything is going well.

Hoepfully they can manage your condition until baby is further along, the good news is that even if you deliver at 34 weeks your baby has a great chance and little risk of long term problems (according to my MFM). Good luck, I hope everything turns our well for you.

rsideemd · July 2012

carladillon:
Oh my goodness...what a way to get your BP even higher. Crikey!

I had pre-e with my first. I started doing 24 hour urine samples around 29 weeks or so. And I was put on modified bed rest at that point as well (I was able to work at my desk job, but off my feet at home). At my 37 week appt I was put on full bed rest, but was admitted for induction 2 days later based on my final 24 hour urine sample. I was very swollen (Homer Simpson feet) and my BP was elevated (but not super duper high). I didn't experience seizures, blurred vision, abdominal pain or blurry vision. However, I did not tolerate the induction well and it turned into an emergency c/s. I was kept an extra Day because of my BP and was on meds for a month post partum. I didn't realize how serious it could have been until afterwards.
When is your next appt? Was your urine a 24 hour sample? If not and was the regular pee in the cup sample, then I think the doc is being a little premature in telling you what he did.

It was a 24 hour sample. It was just over the borderline of when they want to start regularly checking it. Both of my doctors are thinking it's the blood pressure, because it was borderline before I even got pregnant. According to what I've read, that can cause protein in your urine and so can a UTI (small amount of bacteria was found in the urine at the doctor's office). They are having me do the 24 hour and bloodwork again to compare the numbers. I don't have any other symptoms of pre-e. My blood pressure is now perfect due to medication. My bloodwork/labwork is all great! And the baby is measuring great, too! Her levels are exactly where they're supposed to be. She's even measuring a week ahead of schedule.

I go back to the specialist on Tuesday and my regular doctor on Wednesday. It's only a week away, but it's going to feel like forever.

Oh, and I also found out that stress can cause protein levels to be elevated. That's why I'm really not happy about the doctor getting me upset and stressed. Just crossing my fingers and praying that the next results are better!

mrsjenni · July 2012

I had pre-e with both of my previous pregnancies and had to be induced early. Thankfully, it didn't start getting bad until 35-36 weeks and I was able to make it to 38w0d with DS and 39w0d with DD.

This time my doc is nervous b/c of my EDD being in early September and just making it through the month of August with the heat. My BP has been at a safe level so far, I'm just hoping it stays that way for at least another 7/8 weeks!

Good luck hun... just try and stay positive. There are many steps that you can take before going right to an induction and/or c/s (meds, home bed rest, hospital bed rest, etc.) FX that your BP goes down!

Sarendipity · July 2012

I dont have pre-e at this point, but have gestational hypertension/PIH. When I went to L and D after my BP first went up, the on call dr. told me to get used to the idea that I would get pre-e and would not be able to work etc. She didn't give me the whole list of side effects/complications you got, which even if true, you don't need to be worried about right now. You are supposed to probably relax and have as little stress as possible.

I'd say I was about 32 weeks when I first went to L and D, and I am 35 plus 2 now. I have never developed increased protein and since being on bed rest my .BP has gone down some.

Don't panic yet. They probably just want to watch you really closely because it is true that pre-e, especially "severe" pre-e is very serious. And them watching you is exactly what you want!

damabo80 · July 2012

Pre e can come on suddenly, or take awhile to fully develop to a point where delivery is the best option. I had HELLP with my first. It came on within a matter of days.

Truth be told, at this point it is too early to determine what category you're going to fit into. Instead, continue with the monitoring, call your dr if you start to develop any classic pre -e symptoms, and hope for the best.

NikNak72 · July 2012

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way, rsideemd!! Geez, I can't believe a dr would scare you like that!

I had Pre-E with my son 11yrs ago, and my doctors & the hospital took VERY good care of me. I never realized the seriousness of pre-e until years later! The only symptom I noticed were really swollen feet, I went in for a routine prenatal visit and the doctor sent me to the hospital right away to start bedrest. I was 36 weeks and they wanted me to get to atleast 38 but I ended up having to be induced 2 days later due to my bp not going down and the babys heart rate was declining. However, I still felt "normal" the entire time...never had seizures, pain, blurry vision or anything and, other than having to stay in NICU for a few days due to jaundice, my son was just fine and still is.

They say if you've had it before there's a high chance you'll have it again and I'm just praying that is not the case with me this go round, especially now that I know the severity! Wishing you all the best!

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