Pre-eclampsia question

Bea30 · May 2014

I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my second child and did not have any of these issues with my first pregnancy. Last week I ended up in triage because of blurry vision and feeling weird. My blood pressure was slightly elevated and after blood tests came back normal I was sent home. This Monday at my regular appointment, my blood pressure was high and did not go down even after the third time they took it. I also had some protein in my urine, so my doctor sent me back to triage to have baby monitored and get more blood tests. Got to the hospital and my blood pressure was normal, they also did not find protein in the urine sample I gave them there and blood tests came back normal again. Baby looked great.
I was sent home with a 24hr urine kit that I returned yesterday morning. I've been home, trying to take it easy and have had noticed when I'm up and about, I get dizzy, blurry vision, headaches. As soon as I lay down I feel better.
My urine test came back and I had a 360 reading on my protein. My doctor said to take things easy and call if I'm worried about anything, but she will see me at my appointment on Monday.

Has anyone had similar issues? Any idea what I can expect?

Bea30 · May 2014

PS. I have not asked a question since my first pregnancy, so have not changed my profile yet, sorry

nunzchucks · May 2014

If you are worried enough to post here, you are worried enough to call the doc. Call the doc or go in.

Ashes92813 · May 2014

Please call if you are concerned or have more symptoms. I may be biased but Preclampsia is serious business and of you are worried or don't feel right, please please please call.

chickpea912 · May 2014

Did you mention your symptoms to your doctor? If you mentioned those symptoms to your doc, they had you monitored, they had you do the 24 hour UA and associated bloodwork, and everything came back fine and they don't seem worried, you're probably not in any immediate danger from pre-e. Docs usually don't get lackadaisical about that kind of thing.

The symptoms you mention could be many different things, including pre-e. Some ladies have had similar things before receiving a pre-e dx, some had other symptoms, some had NO symptoms. Your doctors have done everything that is normal in terms of diagnosing a possible situation, so as long as they are aware of what you are experiencing and you are in communication with them about any potential changes, then I would just try to follow their directions and relax. Stress won't help blood pressure either.

Speaking of which - when you say your bp was "slightly elevated" - what was it?

chickpea912 · May 2014

Ashes92813 said:

Please call if you are concerned or have more symptoms. I may be biased but Preclampsia is serious business and of you are worried or don't feel right, please please please call.

I agree and I don't. Not to say that this is the case for OP, but people get super paranoid around pregnancy and anything that isn't super normal. The symptoms she posted COULD be linked to pre-e, but they could also be dehydration or a bunch of other things. Her physicians have done everything by the book and they don't seem to be worried, so I don't want to whip her up into a frenzy, which could potentially impact her bp. As long as she is aware of what is going on with her and knows to call her doc if anything seems super strange, it sounds like she's okay.

I know you're in a different place than me - I'm in constant limbo wondering if I'm going to end up with the pre-e sticker on me, and you're in the hospital dealing with it. I've been where she is at, I've gone through the routine a number of times, and I'm making myself stay chill and remain an aware patient and advocate for myself. But I'm also educated about what is going on. Many people don't know, they hear a few scary words, and they start to panic and freak out. I think it's really important we encourage others to be in touch with their medical practitioners, but if their docs are on top of the situation - like hers seem to be - I think we need to stay calm and encourage them to try to do the same.

flerlgirl · May 2014

There is always some protein in your urine, according to my doctors. If you are feeling okay when you lay down, my suggestion would be to lay down. Once they give you the symptoms of pre-e it's really easy to psych yourself out and see spots or have blurry vision. Head aches and dizziness are also a normal part of pregnancy. If your doctor isn't worried, I wouldn't be, either.

Bea30 · May 2014

chickpea912 said:

Did you mention your symptoms to your doctor? If you mentioned those symptoms to your doc, they had you monitored, they had you do the 24 hour UA and associated bloodwork, and everything came back fine and they don't seem worried, you're probably not in any immediate danger from pre-e. Docs usually don't get lackadasical about that kind of thing.

The symptoms you mention could be many different things, including pre-e. Some ladies have had similar things before receiving a pre-e dx, some had other symptoms, some had NO symptoms. Your doctors have done everything that is normal in terms of diagnosing a possible situation, so as long as they are aware of what you are experiencing and you are in communication with them about any potential changes, then I would just try to follow their directions and relax. Stress won't help blood pressure either.

Speaking of which - when you say your bp was "slightly elevated" - what was it?

My doctor is aware of all the symptoms I've been experiencing and my bp was 132/89. I'm not the kind of person freak myself out. I know if it was serious my doctor would have me hospitalized. Thank you for your response! It sounds like you have some experience with this. I was more curios about the protein diagnosis. I know anything above 300 is considered not normal, so was wondering if anyone else might have had a reading at 360 like me, and what their doctors was suggesting. I realize every case is different, im just curios

nunzchucks · May 2014

Bea30 said:

chickpea912 said:

Did you mention your symptoms to your doctor? If you mentioned those symptoms to your doc, they had you monitored, they had you do the 24 hour UA and associated bloodwork, and everything came back fine and they don't seem worried, you're probably not in any immediate danger from pre-e. Docs usually don't get lackadasical about that kind of thing.

The symptoms you mention could be many different things, including pre-e. Some ladies have had similar things before receiving a pre-e dx, some had other symptoms, some had NO symptoms. Your doctors have done everything that is normal in terms of diagnosing a possible situation, so as long as they are aware of what you are experiencing and you are in communication with them about any potential changes, then I would just try to follow their directions and relax. Stress won't help blood pressure either.

Speaking of which - when you say your bp was "slightly elevated" - what was it?

My doctor is aware of all the symptoms I've been experiencing and my bp was 132/89. I'm not the kind of person freak myself out. I know if it was serious my doctor would have me hospitalized. Thank you for your response! It sounds like you have some experience with this. I was more curios about the protein diagnosis. I know anything above 300 is considered not normal, so was wondering if anyone else might have had a reading at 360 like me, and what their doctors was suggesting. I realize every case is different, im just curios

This would have been relevant information, don't you think?

flerlgirl · May 2014

Bea30 said:

chickpea912 said:

Did you mention your symptoms to your doctor? If you mentioned those symptoms to your doc, they had you monitored, they had you do the 24 hour UA and associated bloodwork, and everything came back fine and they don't seem worried, you're probably not in any immediate danger from pre-e. Docs usually don't get lackadasical about that kind of thing.

The symptoms you mention could be many different things, including pre-e. Some ladies have had similar things before receiving a pre-e dx, some had other symptoms, some had NO symptoms. Your doctors have done everything that is normal in terms of diagnosing a possible situation, so as long as they are aware of what you are experiencing and you are in communication with them about any potential changes, then I would just try to follow their directions and relax. Stress won't help blood pressure either.

Speaking of which - when you say your bp was "slightly elevated" - what was it?

My doctor is aware of all the symptoms I've been experiencing and my bp was 132/89. I'm not the kind of person freak myself out. I know if it was serious my doctor would have me hospitalized. Thank you for your response! It sounds like you have some experience with this. I was more curios about the protein diagnosis. I know anything above 300 is considered not normal, so was wondering if anyone else might have had a reading at 360 like me, and what their doctors was suggesting. I realize every case is different, im just curios

That's honestly not that high. It's something to keep an eye on, which it sounds like they're doing, but it isn't bad. Idk about anything above 300 for the protein; for me they said that it would have to be higher than that to be a cause for concern. It just depends.

chickpea912 · May 2014

flerlgirl said:

Bea30 said:

chickpea912 said:

Did you mention your symptoms to your doctor? If you mentioned those symptoms to your doc, they had you monitored, they had you do the 24 hour UA and associated bloodwork, and everything came back fine and they don't seem worried, you're probably not in any immediate danger from pre-e. Docs usually don't get lackadasical about that kind of thing.

The symptoms you mention could be many different things, including pre-e. Some ladies have had similar things before receiving a pre-e dx, some had other symptoms, some had NO symptoms. Your doctors have done everything that is normal in terms of diagnosing a possible situation, so as long as they are aware of what you are experiencing and you are in communication with them about any potential changes, then I would just try to follow their directions and relax. Stress won't help blood pressure either.

Speaking of which - when you say your bp was "slightly elevated" - what was it?

My doctor is aware of all the symptoms I've been experiencing and my bp was 132/89. I'm not the kind of person freak myself out. I know if it was serious my doctor would have me hospitalized. Thank you for your response! It sounds like you have some experience with this. I was more curios about the protein diagnosis. I know anything above 300 is considered not normal, so was wondering if anyone else might have had a reading at 360 like me, and what their doctors was suggesting. I realize every case is different, im just curios

That's honestly not that high. It's something to keep an eye on, which it sounds like they're doing, but it isn't bad. Idk about anything above 300 for the protein; for me they said that it would have to be higher than that to be a cause for concern. It just depends.

Good - I'm glad your doctor is aware of those symptoms and still not overly worried. And I agree with flerl - that's not super high (my bp on Monday - WITH two meds - was 148/88) and it's higher than "no protein" but not "off the charts get thee to a hospital" high.

I'd say in general, try not to worry. Take it easy. You'll be seen again on Monday, so unless things get drastically weird between now and then, you're probably fine. Your doc is NOT going to ignore pre-e signs. GL!

Ashes92813 · May 2014

@Bea30 and @chickpea912‌
In no way was I trying to instill panic. Maybe I should've been more clear. I just simply encourage people to listen to their bodies and gut feelings and call if you are concerned with ANY symptoms. You have that right.

@Bea30, sounds like you are taking the right steps. If I did make you concerned or panic, it was never my intention! Keep us posted!

Mom&nurse · May 2014

@Ashes92813‌ I'm totally with you!! Oh wait we both are in L&D until we deliver due to preeclampsia. If you are worried call call call.

I personally went from "trace" off and on in second trimester with ok BP 128/86. Normally I'm 106/65 ish. To moderate with "normal" BP and then had my episode with headache that wouldn't go away with narcotics and 480 protein in a 24 hour one then the very next day this feeling if doom. Can't describe it but I knew I was not going to be coming home if I went in. Had spent 3 days in L&D to be sent home in bed rest until delivery. I just knew something was not right and was on the phone at 8 am with clinic. Sent back to l&D and with This second 24 hour urine was not leaving until I delivered. I was told if less then 1,000 it was strict bed rest at home. Any more and I'm here. Well I'm I'm L&D so it was 2200 this time. My last one 14,000. So I'm days away from delivery.

Yes it's totally easy to get worked up over preeclampsia because its serious and you don't want it. The best you can do is follow the bed rest policy. Seriously I think I ended up here because I had modified bed rest and didn't do the best with that. Now my fun is my daily bath. Or trip to ultrasound.

Listen to your gut. If it says u have had a change then go. But I hope this helps with your number question. You can always check out L&D is my new home thread and we are happy no really more then happy to help. Good luck.

babybean82 · May 2014

Ashes92813 said:

Please call if you are concerned or have more symptoms. I may be biased but Preclampsia is serious business and of you are worried or don't feel right, please please please call.

I agree, and it can change so suddenly, that's one of the scariest things about this disease. The morning my son was born I was stable and fine and then by that afternoon everything changed and I was close to dying. Like pp said if you aren't feeling right call the Dr.

Bea30 · May 2014

Mom&nurse said:

@Ashes92813‌ I'm totally with you!! Oh wait we both are in L&D until we deliver due to preeclampsia. If you are worried call call call. I personally went from "trace" off and on in second trimester with ok BP 128/86. Normally I'm 106/65 ish. To moderate with "normal" BP and then had my episode with headache that wouldn't go away with narcotics and 480 protein in a 24 hour one then the very next day this feeling if doom. Can't describe it but I knew I was not going to be coming home if I went in. Had spent 3 days in L&D to be sent home in bed rest until delivery. I just knew something was not right and was on the phone at 8 am with clinic. Sent back to l&D and with This second 24 hour urine was not leaving until I delivered. I was told if less then 1,000 it was strict bed rest at home. Any more and I'm here. Well I'm I'm L&D so it was 2200 this time. My last one 14,000. So I'm days away from delivery. Yes it's totally easy to get worked up over preeclampsia because its serious and you don't want it. The best you can do is follow the bed rest policy. Seriously I think I ended up here because I had modified bed rest and didn't do the best with that. Now my fun is my daily bath. Or trip to ultrasound. Listen to your gut. If it says u have had a change then go. But I hope this helps with your number question. You can always check out L&D is my new home thread and we are happy no really more then happy to help. Good luck.

Thank you very much for sharing your story. It definitely puts things in perspective for me. I did not realize protein count can go that high. Thank you for the advise. I will be thinking of you! Good Luck!

Bea30 · May 2014

Ashes92813 said:

@Bea30 and @chickpea912‌ In no way was I trying to instill panic. Maybe I should've been more clear. I just simply encourage people to listen to their bodies and gut feelings and call if you are concerned with ANY symptoms. You have that right. @Bea30, sounds like you are taking the right steps. If I did make you concerned or panic, it was never my intention! Keep us posted!

Not at all! Thank you for your concern and posting. I could have been more specific/clear with my original post.

izzetoot · May 2014

chickpea912 said:

Ashes92813 said:

Please call if you are concerned or have more symptoms. I may be biased but Preclampsia is serious business and of you are worried or don't feel right, please please please call.

I agree and I don't. Not to say that this is the case for OP, but people get super paranoid around pregnancy and anything that isn't super normal. The symptoms she posted COULD be linked to pre-e, but they could also be dehydration or a bunch of other things. Her physicians have done everything by the book and they don't seem to be worried, so I don't want to whip her up into a frenzy, which could potentially impact her bp. As long as she is aware of what is going on with her and knows to call her doc if anything seems super strange, it sounds like she's okay.

I know you're in a different place than me - I'm in constant limbo wondering if I'm going to end up with the pre-e sticker on me, and you're in the hospital dealing with it. I've been where she is at, I've gone through the routine a number of times, and I'm making myself stay chill and remain an aware patient and advocate for myself. But I'm also educated about what is going on. Many people don't know, they hear a few scary words, and they start to panic and freak out. I think it's really important we encourage others to be in touch with their medical practitioners, but if their docs are on top of the situation - like hers seem to be - I think we need to stay calm and encourage them to try to do the same.

Could not agree with @chickpea912 more. I don't have any pre-e or protein/urine experience but she does and I know you are just looking for advice from other mamas that have been in your same boat to help calm your nerves. It looks like your docs are really on top of things and if they were at all seriously concerned about the health of you or the baby they wouldn't have sent you home. Im super paranoid too (I think most of us are:) toward the end, so try your best to relax, drink some fluids and wait until your LO is ready to introduce him(her?)self. T&Ps!!!

Mom&nurse · May 2014

I think a lot of us moms who generally have anxiety or may have had issues getting pregnant, had a loss or know of the "worst case" type stuff do tend to "overreact". Now is it wrong, IMO no. It's what we do best... Worry. However with preeclampsia you almost have to learn to just chill and that's easier said then done. Getting advice is good but sometimes knowing too much is not good either. You can cause unneeded stress as well.

I think we need to trust our doctors. If you have a gut feeling listen to it. Always make sure to tell your dr everything and ask silly questions. Your not the first mom they have ever had, or if you are the first, please get another OB. If you don't trust your clinic is doing the right steps to keep you two safe then ask for advice but please get a new OB.

I love this site. Don't get me wrong but I can't tell you how afraid I was that I was going to loose my LO or all the bad things we had happen were going to happen to me too.

I finally am letting myself believe that I'm really going to have a baby!! My own baby. After being told I wouldn't and after trying with my ex. I was just not letting myself get too excited because I'm me and I was afraid.

I think us being scared and worried about our LO just means we are good moms already.

Not saying if your more laid back your a bad one. That's just some personality differences.

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