Hi, I'm a first time mom, only about 8 weeks pregnant. Just had my first intake appt and was surprised that I have high BP. This has never been a problem for me. The intake nurse then informed me that I was too high risk for midwifery care and has told me I need to see a dr. I was mortified and I am beside myself. I've been dreaming of a natural birth with a midwife since before I even got pregnant. The last few weeks my diet hasn't been quite right w/ severe nausea, fatigue and some vomiting. So I admit I haven't been the picture of health as I'm just trying to adjust to being pregnant.
Does this really mean I am that high risk?
Are my hopes of a lovely natural birth really crushed?
I am working now on increasing my activity and adjusting my diet as my nausea allows. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Early pregnancy and high blood pressure-midwife care out of the question?
Long story short high blood pressure doesn't necessarily mean you can't work with a midwife but likely they will monitor you more carefully and there is a greater risk that you will need to be induced. Good luck!
Question - was this the only time you've been told your blood pressure was high? It could have been a fluke, and I would see if you can talk to a midwife about the situation.
Good luck! AS pp said, many OBs are natural birth friendly so if you can't go with a midwife, I hope you find a great OB that will support your birth choices.
BFP#2: EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13
The point is that that intake nurse over stepped his scope and handled the situation all wrong, and got me all worked up without cause. When he re-checked my BP it was withing 1 minute of the first time, obviously not an appropriate resting period. I will file a complaint, that whole experience was very traumatic.
To be sure I'm keeping an appt with an OB who knows maybe I'll love her and maybe she is pro-natural birth. If my BP is good, I'll discuss transferring to a midwife, if I'm not in love with the OB.
Again, I appreciate all the tips and information from everyone! You've been a great help!
The nurse who did your intake should also know how inaccurate those stupid machines are AND the protocol for retest so the whole situation just has warning bells going off in my head that the practice doesn't follow ACOG standards of care.
Sorry, I'm sort of rambling but I hope you can find a different practice. It's far too early in your pregnancy for these shenanigans.
I’m glad you like the OB, and more importantly that your blood pressure registered as normal. A lot of things can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure (particularly stress) so it could have been the machine or it could have been a natural temporary spike. In any case, good luck and I hope your blood pressure remains normal and you continue to love your OB