First Pregnancy Concerns

traceykj85 · July 2014

I am 35 into my first pregnancy and am having some concerns. I've been fighting migraines since 5 months and have been getting no relief from the medicine they prescribed. About a month ago I started getting swelling in my feet which has now spread into my calves and also get it in my hands. In addition to this, I also get "floaters" in my vision and horrible heartburn. I talked to a NP at my OB office 2 weeks ago and they ran some labs because, even though my BP is normal and I have no protein in my urine, all of the other issues put together are signs of preeclampsia. The results were negative. Over the past 2 weeks, the swelling has continued and doesn't improve overnight or when elevating my feet and I'm still dealing with the other symptoms. They re-ran labs yesterday, and I'm expecting another negative result. I know something is not right, despite the results. Has anyone dealt with anything similar or have any suggestions?

mfsunshine222 · July 2014

I don't have all your symptoms but I have been dealing with increased swelling for the past 3-4 weeks. My doctor said feet, ankles, hands and calves are normal due to the heat and gravity. If it comes on suddenly and aggressively and moves up to the knees then call.

That being said; stay on top of your OB; keep asking questions. Although our bodies are doing crazy things right now, I would like to think we still know our bodies better than anyone else (although it does feel like a little alien is taking over).

Hope you feel better soon.

AnyMax · July 2014

I have the same symptoms as you, plus started having some additional vision problems over the weekend.
The migraine medicine they prescribed mostly just takes the edge off for me. Recent blood work also showed that I am very anemic.
I was evaluated for pre e yesterday because of the new vision problems and, thank goodness, I am all clear.
The best they could conclude for me was that it was either related to being anemic, or a migraine. They also stressed again that laying on my left side is much more effective at helping with blood flow and swelling than elevating my feet, which probably puts you in the position of laying flat on your back.

I don't know if this helps you in at all, and I would definitely still stay in close communication with your doctor about your concerns. Maybe also talk to them about what other signs and changes you should be watching for in regards to pre e, just in case.

caballablanca · July 2014

When I get dehydrated and its hot outside, I get the weird vision too. Also the swelling is worse. Rest in the cool, and drink more water. Also eating watery foods like pineapple and watermelon can help keep you hydrated as well.

traceykj85 · July 2014

I drink 100+ ounces of fluids a day because dehydration was a concern early on, so that isn't the problem and my iron levels continue to be fine. Thank you both so much for the advice! I'll certainly take any suggestions I can get at this point.

AMcLaws · July 2014

I've been having issues too. Doc took me outta work 2 weeks earlier than I'd planned because of PIH. He's been monitoring me very carefully for pre-e. I've been in triage a few times over the past couple weeks with bad headaches, vision changes, mild swelling, etc. Each time I'm found to be fine, and sent home. I've got my RCS one week from today, and he's confident we can make it, unless my body goes nuts.

Just keep an eye on it. If you feel you need to be checked, call your doc. That's what he's there for.

KittyMisha · July 2014

I have swelling eye floaters, and nasty heartburn too. According to the internet, increased eye floaters are not uncommon in pregnancy, and I've had them both times with no GD. Same with heartburn, bad enough to make me puke if I don't stay on top of treating it.

Other than the headaches, what you're experiencing are standard pregnancy symptoms. If you are getting checked regularly and the tests show that you're okay, then you're okay. They would be able to tell if something was wrong.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and try not to worry. Almost there, mama!

traceykj85 · July 2014

I certainly will. I've asked about it twice now and am still waiting on yesterday's lab results. I think, if the problem continues as it has, I may go see one of the triage nurses at labor and delivery at the hospital since my doctor just seems to be treating me like the crazy, pregnant lady.

Cat&S · July 2014

I have all of your symptoms, minus the migranes/headaches. I'm not worried and neither is my OB. They're pretty common pregnancy symptoms. I don't think going to the hospital is going to tell you anything your OB isn't. All they can do is run the same tests. Sometimes pregnancy is just annoying.

RedBaramid · July 2014

I've had the same symptoms as you, except my swelling is not so much and my BP has been a touch higher than it was riding (although to be fair I was riding really low before.) They went ahead and put me on a 1 hr away restriction and I am supposed to report straight to L&D if I have a migraine with visual disturbances, even if they are part of what I would have considered my pre pregnancy normal disturbances. My Docs have always said they would never judge a woman for coming in worried about pre-e, no matter how many negatives she had pulled in the past because it can come on so suddenly and be so dangerous. If your Doc isn't listening to your fears, I highly encourage you to hit L&D, and maybe seek a second opinion if you are very nervous you are being shook off.

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