Preeclampsia

lellymine · April 2014

I know we've got some mamas that have this currently and I was wondering if you felt any symptoms that made you feel off or feel concerned before you were diagnosed. They're watching my BP now since it's been rising but didn't act very worried. I'm trying to decide if being light headed and a little short of breath is be something I should call in about or if it's just a normal pregnancy thing and I can wait until my Friday appt to bring it up.

hjl050308 · April 2014

I had mild with my first. I don't remember any symptoms except for elevated pressure at my appointments. I think shortness of breath is relatively common at this stage. Also, have you eaten or are your sugars low? That can contribute to being light headed. Of course if you're worried a call to your doc isn't a bad idea.

chickpea912 · April 2014

I think there might have been a post about this at some point - either an independent thread or in part of another thread - but I think the general consensus was that some people had symptoms, others didn't. In the end, it isn't just BP, it's BP plus presence of protein plus some other tests that they do on your body (kidney? liver? I'm forgetting now, even though I've been through it).

What was your BP last? I have chronic hypertension, and if it's a good day, I'm in the 140s/80s-90s WITH medication. My OB last week said that generally speaking, BP tends to rise in the third tri, so that could account for why yours is going up. You have frequent enough appointments at this point that they will continue to watch your urine for protein (that plus your BP will be the big signs for concern) and let you know what's going on. If you're concerned, I'd call your doc to see if they think there are particular things you should watch for, but my guess is that they would have told you.

Oh, and I should say, while there aren't always symptoms to clue you in, the things I've heard have been blinding headaches and extreme swelling (not just feet and ankles, but swelling in crazy areas).

But I'm sure there are other ladies who are much more knowledgeable than I am who can chime in if I've not got the full story quite right.

ETA: I swear I read through your whole post - I wouldn't be worried about being light headed or a little short of breath. Not at all.

lellymine · April 2014

hjl050308 said:
I had mild with my first. I don't remember any symptoms except for elevated pressure at my appointments. I think shortness of breath is relatively common at this stage. Also, have you eaten or are your sugars low? That can contribute to being light headed. Of course if you're worried a call to your doc isn't a bad idea.

That's what I thought too about the shortness of breath. I didn't want to get all worked up over something if we're all experiencing it. I keep my blood sugars pretty level, I have gestational diabetes but that's slightly added to my worry. The nurses said diabetes and preeclampsia usually go hand in hand so I feel like I'm a ticking time bomb.

traceyboo37 · April 2014

Swelling, blinding headache and high blood pressure. I had it after giving birth to my son. With this pregnancy I've been monitoring my own blood pressure daily. I tell my doc if it gets past 130 because in general it's 114 or lower.

britleann26 · April 2014

My doctor is afraid i have it just based on the fact my BP gets high (I always had normal range BP until recently). They checked my urine for protein (which is an indicator you may have it). But I know you can't really test your own urine. My doctor ALWAYS asks me if I am light headed, seeing spots, or have headaches (but I have never had these things and my doctor dismisses it).

So I would call in if you are light headed, seeing spots, or have a slight headache.

Do you monitor your BP at home? My doctor makes me do this and if the number gets over 140/80 I have to call her immediately. I have come really close a couple times.

lellymine · April 2014

britleann26 said:
My doctor is afraid i have it just based on the fact my BP gets high (I always had normal range BP until recently). They checked my urine for protein (which is an indicator you may have it). But I know you can't really test your own urine. My doctor ALWAYS asks me if I am light headed, seeing spots, or have headaches (but I have never had these things and my doctor dismisses it).

So I would call in if you are light headed, seeing spots, or have a slight headache.

Do you monitor your BP at home? My doctor makes me do this and if the number gets over 140/80 I have to call her immediately. I have come really close a couple times.

They haven't had me monitor at home yet. It's just been starting to rise at appts so I think they're just keeping an eye on it right now.

lellymine · April 2014

lizardbreath14 said:
Not to say that you shouldn't call your doctor anytime you're worried, because if you really feel like you need to - go ahead and do so! But I will add that I've been short of breath for a while now, and it's just because my lungs are sharing space with all my organs in a way they never have before. And I'm frequently lightheaded, too. But all my vitals are always good - my BP is always good... just typically pregnancy, feeling like crap stuff for me. LOL

That's what I've been thinking. I don't think I'd even be concerned if they hadn't said my BP was continuing to rise.

lellymine · April 2014

CDK211 said:
The doctors have been monitoring me for it for 2ish weeks. They are having me monitor my BP at home, watch for really bad headaches, seeing spots/change in vision, increase in swelling, if I have all those they will check me for protein and run labs again. Have they had you do the 24 hour urine test and labs to get a base line so they can know if it's getting worse?

They had me do a urine test at the last appt but I haven't been asked to do it at home. When they have you collect it at home is that when they're worried?

flerlgirl · April 2014

lellymine said:

The doctors have been monitoring me for it for 2ish weeks. They are having me monitor my BP at home, watch for really bad headaches, seeing spots/change in vision, increase in swelling, if I have all those they will check me for protein and run labs again. Have they had you do the 24 hour urine test and labs to get a base line so they can know if it's getting worse?

They had me do a urine test at the last appt but I haven't been asked to do it at home. When they have you collect it at home is that when they're worried?

Nope, it just means they want to check it and don't want to keep you in the hospital to do it. It's important for them to establish a baseline and then to update it every once in a while.

lellymine · April 2014

Good to know. I think I'll just wait until Friday and see what they say then. Thanks!!

kibean · April 2014

My doctor always asks about blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain (which could indicate a liver problem).

Ashes92813 · April 2014

My excessive swelling was a red flag for my doctor at 29 weeks. At 30 weeks my swelling and blood pressure is what sent me to the hospital. I'm still here and have it severely; the strong medication has helped.

Every day the nurses and doctors check me multiple times and always check for swelling, high blood pressure, blurry vision, seeing silver spots, pain under my right breast (liver issues), pain in my abdomen and headaches.

I encourage you to be cautious and always call if you are concerned! I am so glad I did because I never would have never known if I had not called. I may be biased because of what happened to me, but it just goes to show that even consulting with them can save you some anxiety, pain and well, if you're like me, you're life.

katiebartton · April 2014

kibean said:
My doctor always asks about blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain (which could indicate a liver problem).

These are all the signs my doc told me to keep an eye on. My BP average is 140/90 so I take my BP everyday now and am to alert them if I have any of the above symptoms. This is a recent change that started at 34 weeks

Symptoms that indicate a call
Vision changes
Headache that does not go away
Excessive swelling
upper abdomen pain - right side

They did the 24 hour urine test and mine came back normal.. Not sure why my BP is high but just something to keep an eye on.

shellbell813 · April 2014

I have had these symptoms the past couple of weeks on and off. Asked my doctor and she said that often, the baby will be sitting down low and essentially cut off blood flow through the bulk of vessels running down around your pelvis. She said it can cause problems with blood pressure (not sure if high or low) and make it difficult for your heart and brain to get the blood it needs. She suggested to try changing positions more regularly (i.e. Don't stand up for too long, or walk for too long, or sit for too long). I've also noticed that drinking more water has helped as well. But she said it is very common for women in their third-tri to get the dizzy, nauseous, yucky feeling -- and that many women will even get light-headed and pass out.

Not for sure that is what is going on with you, but it made me feel better to understand more about why I can get to feeling so dizzy and light-headed.

MamaPharmD · April 2014

I was diagnosed with mild preeclampsia 2 weeks ago and put on home bed rest. Prior to being diagnosed, I knew preeclampsia might be a worry because my blood pressure had started to creep up each week. Also, the week before diagnosis I noticed a little swelling in my face and hands whereas previously I had only experience swelling in my feet. Since diagnosis, my doctor has told me to watch out for the same symptoms PPs mentioned: headache, vision changes, right upper abdominal pain.

Mom&nurse · April 2014

Sounds like everyone has great advice. Always call if something feels off. For me I started with swelling and slightly elevated BP. All labs were normal. Then one day it was this massive pressure in my head that nothing took care of. I mean narcotic drugs didn't touch it. I had to do a 24 hr urine after more then slight urine was noted. That can't back slightly over normal so I was diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Went home on bed rest them woke up with pressure and difficulties breathing. I had gotten worse in 24 hrs. Severely. I had fluid pushing on my lungs. Back in and 24 hr urine was dangerously high this time. So my butt sits here.

Preeclampsia is nothing to mess with. If your concerned call !!

Here they are watching for kidney and liver damage. So pain in the upper right abdominal area. Back pain on either side. Spots blurry vision. Headache. Those are signs of HELLP. Severe dangerous get baby out now symptoms. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Glad to help

lellymine · April 2014

Thanks for the feedback! I called just to be safe and they said to take it easy and drink more fluids. If I get a headache or vision changes they said to call in. I hate that common pregnancy aches can also be signs of more serious complications.

chickpea912 · April 2014

lellymine said:

I know we've got some mamas that have this currently and I was wondering if you felt any symptoms that made you feel off or feel concerned before you were diagnosed. They're watching my BP now since it's been rising but didn't act very worried. I'm trying to decide if being light headed and a little short of breath is be something I should call in about or if it's just a normal pregnancy thing and I can wait until my Friday appt to bring it up.

katiebartton said:

My doctor always asks about blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain (which could indicate a liver problem).
These are all the signs my doc told me to keep an eye on. My BP average is 140/90 so I take my BP everyday now and am to alert them if I have any of the above symptoms. This is a recent change that started at 34 weeks Symptoms that indicate a call Vision changes Headache that does not go away Excessive swelling upper abdomen pain - right side They did the 24 hour urine test and mine came back normal.. Not sure why my BP is high but just something to keep an eye on.

lellymine said:

Thanks for the feedback! I called just to be safe and they said to take it easy and drink more fluids. If I get a headache or vision changes they said to call in. I hate that common pregnancy aches can also be signs of more serious complications.

Forgive me, but I can't NOT say something.

@lellymine - in your OP, you said you had dizziness and shortness of breath.

The symptoms PP mentioned that warranted a call for pre-e included blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain.

The common pregnancy pains you mentioned in your OP had nothing to do with the symptoms that could be an indication of a serious condition. You called your doctor, so I'm glad you had that peace of mind, but it isn't as if the symptoms you are exhibiting are the same that the other ladies mentioned. I think you need to try to distract yourself and stop worrying. I hope you don't end up with any additional problems beyond the ones you are dealing with, but please, try not to worry about every little thing. THAT isn't going to be good for your BP.

JNerd · April 2014

chickpea912 said:

lellymine said:

I know we've got some mamas that have this currently and I was wondering if you felt any symptoms that made you feel off or feel concerned before you were diagnosed. They're watching my BP now since it's been rising but didn't act very worried. I'm trying to decide if being light headed and a little short of breath is be something I should call in about or if it's just a normal pregnancy thing and I can wait until my Friday appt to bring it up.

katiebartton said:

kibean said:
My doctor always asks about blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain (which could indicate a liver problem).
These are all the signs my doc told me to keep an eye on. My BP average is 140/90 so I take my BP everyday now and am to alert them if I have any of the above symptoms. This is a recent change that started at 34 weeks

Symptoms that indicate a call
Vision changes
Headache that does not go away
Excessive swelling
upper abdomen pain - right side

They did the 24 hour urine test and mine came back normal.. Not sure why my BP is high but just something to keep an eye on.

lellymine said:

Thanks for the feedback! I called just to be safe and they said to take it easy and drink more fluids. If I get a headache or vision changes they said to call in. I hate that common pregnancy aches can also be signs of more serious complications.

Forgive me, but I can't NOT say something.

@lellymine - in your OP, you said you had dizziness and shortness of breath.

The symptoms PP mentioned that warranted a call for pre-e included blurry vision, spots, excess swelling, headache, nausea, and right sided epigastric pain.

The common pregnancy pains you mentioned in your OP had nothing to do with the symptoms that could be an indication of a serious condition. You called your doctor, so I'm glad you had that peace of mind, but it isn't as if the symptoms you are exhibiting are the same that the other ladies mentioned. I think you need to try to distract yourself and stop worrying. I hope you don't end up with any additional problems beyond the ones you are dealing with, but please, try not to worry about every little thing. THAT isn't going to be good for your BP.

~~~~ quotes suck~~~~
Chick- I heart you.

Lelly- your body changes when pregant. Some things are normal and to be expected. Not *everything* is a sign of something more serious.

Also- GD and preE do not go hand in hand. Having one does not mean you are automatically going to have the other.

chickpea912 · April 2014

@JNerd

lellymine · April 2014

Oh I totally agree not everything is serious. The shortness of breath and being lightheaded is new for me and having my BP up yesterday and the nurse saying the stuff about diabetes and pre-e was just a perfect tiny storm for me to wonder if it was normal.

but no headache or vision changes and just normal swelling so all the feedback was helpful.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Believe me, I get it. This entire thread has ramped up my paranoia about my own bp issues. But I have an appointment tomorrow, so once I know what my protein numbers are tomorrow, I'll ask my questions about the mild swelling I have and see if the doctor can consult her magic 8 ball and give me an idea as to what my own chances are of making it to my RCS date.

JNerd · April 2014

lellymine said:
Oh I totally agree not everything is serious. The shortness of breath and being lightheaded is new for me and having my BP up yesterday and the nurse saying the stuff about diabetes and pre-e was just a perfect tiny storm for me to wonder if it was normal. but no headache or vision changes and just normal swelling so all the feedback was helpful.

I know I haven't been around much lately, but last time I checked we still had a daily symptom thread, right?

Mom&nurse · April 2014

I guess the sort of breath was what indicated a big change in my preeclampsia and ended me back in L&D and never to leave until baby is born.

It's hard to not take scary symptoms like you can't breath as something not scary.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Mom&nurse said:

I guess the sort of breath was what indicated a big change in my preeclampsia and ended me back in L&D and never to leave until baby is born. It's hard to not take scary symptoms like you can't breath as something not scary.

She didn't say she couldn't breathe. She said "a little short of breath." Those are not the same thing.

JNerd · April 2014

chickpea912 said:

Mom&nurse said:

I guess the sort of breath was what indicated a big change in my preeclampsia and ended me back in L&D and never to leave until baby is born.

It's hard to not take scary symptoms like you can't breath as something not scary.

She didn't say she couldn't breathe. She said "a little short of breath." Those are not the same thing.
~~~quotes suck~~~
EXACTLY!!

Pretty sure if you looked up third tri symptoms it would say that organs are getting compressed and that includes lungs- so shortness of breath is pretty normal.

Mom&nurse · April 2014

I'm only saying its scary. Don't go off on me. I didn't do anything!!! I don't want to be the one who tells someone she is over reacting only to find out that her " hard to breath" is worse then it sounds. I am not a dr and medical advice should only be given if you are prepared to be sued from it.

Bottom line... If you feel like something is off..., call the dr.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Mom&nurse said:

I'm only saying its scary. Don't go off on me. I didn't do anything!!! I don't want to be the one who tells someone she is over reacting only to find out that her " hard to breath" is worse then it sounds. I am not a dr and medical advice should only be given if you are prepared to be sued from it. Bottom line... If you feel like something is off..., call the dr.

Which is what people said in the thread. And she did. No one told her to not call her doctor. Ladies who are dealing with pre-e gave their experiences and told what their medical professionals indicated as warning signs - which did not match up, in any way, with what she listed as her concerning symptoms.

My post was an attempt to try help lelly not let paranoia get the better of her. Shit is scary in pregnancy - you have little control over your body and how it deals with what is going on. But you cannot let every minor symptom get the better of you. If she is dealing with BP issues, worrying over symptoms that likely have nothing to do with her receiving a pre-e diagnosis will definitely not help her. You have to maintain an even keel and try to keep things in perspective. I was concerned lelly wasn't doing that.

Your post did not help things. She had already called her doctor. She doesn't have a pre-e dx, so in your situation, not being able to breathe is a very different thing than her having slight shortness of breath.

ETA Must make words make sense

chickpea912 · April 2014

Merie412 said:

Mom&nurse said:

I'm only saying its scary. Don't go off on me. I didn't do anything!!! I don't want to be the one who tells someone she is over reacting only to find out that her " hard to breath" is worse then it sounds. I am not a dr and medical advice should only be given if you are prepared to be sued from it. Bottom line... If you feel like something is off..., call the dr.

Christ on a cracker, woman, pump the brakes on the dramatics...no one went off on anyone here. Good grief.

LMAO - I love that one... not sure I'm allowed to say it, but I do appreciate that particular phrase.

lellymine · April 2014

chickpea912 said:

Mom&nurse said:

I'm only saying its scary. Don't go off on me. I didn't do anything!!! I don't want to be the one who tells someone she is over reacting only to find out that her " hard to breath" is worse then it sounds. I am not a dr and medical advice should only be given if you are prepared to be sued from it.

Bottom line... If you feel like something is off..., call the dr.

Which is what people said in the thread. And she did. No one told her to not call her doctor. Ladies who are dealing with pre-e gave their experiences and told what their medical professionals indicated as warning signs - which did not match up, in any way, with what she listed as her concerning symptoms.

My post was an attempt to try help lelly not let paranoia get the better of her. Shit is scary in pregnancy - you have little control over your body and how it deals with what is going on. But you cannot let every minor symptom get the better of you. If she is dealing with BP issues, worrying over symptoms that likely have nothing to do with her receiving a pre-e diagnosis will definitely not help her. You have to maintain an even keel and try to keep things in perspective. I was concerned lelly wasn't doing that.

Your post did not help things. She had already called her doctor. She doesn't have a pre-e dx, so in your situation, not being able to breathe is a very different thing that having slight shortness of breath.

---Quote Fail---
Her OP did help though. I was just going to wait until Friday to check but having a few of them say to call if only for peace of mind helped. Now I won't worry at all about it unless something new happens at the appt on Friday.

But I totally agree with you, it really is scary not knowing how your body is going to react. I'm sure the last appt of mine combined with how many mamas on here that have it heightened my paranoia. Maybe I should focus on deep breaths and lots of water for the rest of this pregnancy, seems to be the cure all!

sparklenshine_89 · April 2014

Every pregnancy is different and I think we all (at times) over think and worry and it's completely normal. Bottom line IMO is call your Dr. any time you feel there is a real concern...that's what they are there for, they know what's in your chart.

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