PIH/no pre-e?

MusicFanatic · September 2014

Hey girls, this is my first post here. Anyone have any PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) or pre-e experience?

I'm 23.3 weeks right now and was diagnosed with PIH at 20 weeks. My BP has always been very normal, my whole life. Along with the first half of pregnancy (always below 120/75). I've had headaches my entire pregnancy (I'm prone to them) but they started to get worse when my BP got higher.

In the past 3 weeks I've been put on BP meds (when I spiked to 160/100) but they aren't doing much. I was put on modified bedrest which is working a LOT better (and bringing me down to low 140's over 90's and sometimes high 130's over high 80's). As soon as I get up for 15-20 minutes, I tend to spike up quickly.

I've had a 24 hour urine catch and my results were 269- my midwife said under 300 was acceptable in pregnant women. It's pretty close though, no? (not sure how those numbers work). My question.. how in the world do you know when to call in because you're concerned? I'm having a pretty bad headache today, it's making me a little queasy. But headaches are a bit normal for me (even though this seems worse). My BP is 141/90 (in bed) so nothing crazy for me now.

Also- has anyone here had PIH with no pre-e diagnoses? I have some risk factors (my mother had it all 3 pregnancies, and it started as PIH like this- around the same time, it's my first pregnancy, etc). My midwife said she's fearing eventual pre-e, but it doesn't have to turn into that... right?

Any insight? (sorry so long- bedrest does that to me).

mommaJen10 · September 2014

I had similar issues in my last pregnancy. I was always told to call anytime a headache didn't go away with proper medicine rest and hydration, if I also had visit changes, or if it was an abnormally bad headache. If anything you can always call when you feel concerned!

mrsrroberson · September 2014

Hello. This is my third baby with PIH. I'm almost 24 weeks and have been on mod bedrest since 16 weeks because of PIH. BP is under control with meds twice a day. Magic number for me is 150/100, anything higher I have to call in. I also have had constant headaches and feeling crappy because of meds. No pre-e diagnosis yet. With my first I developed pre-e towards end of pregnancy eland delivered baby at 37 weeks. With my second I never got pre-e but had growth restriction issues and also delivered at 37 weeks. OB has same plan for this one. Good luck with everything!

MusicFanatic · September 2014

Thanks so much for the insight

Unfortunately, not even 1 hour after I wrote the above I started throwing up from my headache.. and I called in. Currently in the hospital with pre-e diagnoses after protein in urine. Doing 24 hour catch now to get more accurate results (along with blood tests for liver and platelets). Hoping for mild diagnoses (which they said I can try and manage at home on bedrest).. but unsure as of right now. Waiting for all the results.

Not how I expected things to do, but making the best of it and hoping the little one stays in there much loooonger.

MusicFanatic · September 2014

They actually did send me home- I have mixed feelings, but I'm relieved to have my own bed (and nervous not to have close care). My urine was 600, if that means anything to anyone. My other tests came out perfectly fine- my liver, kidneys and platelet counts are perfectly normal. She said based on that, they were classifying it as mild right now. I was also warned it can turn severe at any point and can happen quickly, so she didn't sugar coat anything for me. I have to monitor my BP at home 5x a day and go in if it hits a hits a certain number while in bed. Call if I have severe headache, blurry/spotty vision or any pain (like you said) in my chest or rib cage area. I also go in every 2 weeks for growth ultrasounds and urine tests.

I won't mess around

I have no other children, so it'll be "easy" (not easy, but you get me) to stay in bed, and I won't move a damn muscle. I'll call or go in immediately if something seems off.

In her non sugar-coating ways, she said she's had pre-e women deliver full term. She's also had 24 and 25 week deliveries that started mild and turned bad quickly. So at this point, we just hope I can manage it for as long as possible and take it day by day. Hoping my stubborn girl stays comfy for MUCH longer!

MusicFanatic · September 2014

@SweetSouthernMomma08 - thank you so much for your honesty, I truly appreciate it. I know I'm in a dangerous position right now. I don't do sugar-coating, nor does my doctor.. so she sat and told me everything. I know this isn't the best scenario since I have it SO early. I just have to hope for the best

But I'm not naive, either (I'm not saying you think I am) and I know what can happen at this point.

My BP is a lot more controlled when I lay down in bed. It's not "normal" but she said it was acceptable. I was 170's over 100+ when I'm up and around.. when I lay in bed, I'm a lot lower (I was just 139/89). I'm on BP medicine but it hasn't really worked.. it's like candy. The only thing that's working is bedrest.

She also told me my BP can restrict growth of baby, that's why I'm having the ultrasounds every 2 weeks. I assume if the growth is really delayed, she would take her out earlier. I know it's hard to get measurements that are exact, but she is seeing growth and even said she looks to be measuring a little ahead. So that was good news.

I'm drinking lots of water! She also has me on a low sodium diet.

Our first goal is Thursday, which is viability. And she said exactly what you did... week by week, day by day. I have ZERO plans to remove myself from this bed (unless I need to use the bathroom).

I've recently moved to a different country, actually (I moved from NY to Canada- my husband is Canadian and was offered a job so we moved to his hometown).. my in laws live super close and said they'll help with cooking/cleaning while my H is at work (thank goodness they're retired!) and we have friends here who said they'll help with various things. I've already been on bedrest a few weeks- SO HARD. But I know what needs to be done. And I will absolutely call if ANYTHING seems off. The only thing that becomes hazy is my headaches. I've been very prone to headaches my entire pregnancy.. I get pretty bad hormonal headaches. So sometimes it's hard for me to know if I'm just having an extra bad headache or if it's a headache I need to be concerned about.

I'm definitely going to pack my bag early, in case. And get her carseat. Hopefully it's a moot point, but.. I know. I've probably been driving my BMB absolutely crazy with the amount of posts I've made. I do lurk on Parenting, maybe I'll peek out sometime. I certainly have the time.

I really, really, really appreciate your concern for me- so thank you for that!

peggels24 · September 2014

::lurking:: You are not driving us crazy at all!! Been looking for your updates all day

MusicFanatic · September 2014

peggels24 said:

::lurking:: You are not driving us crazy at all!! Been looking for your updates all day

:x thanks @peggels24.. I may eventually, lol!

MusicFanatic · September 2014

I've never used essential oils for headache purposes, but I'm willing to try! I'd prefer to do that over migraine meds (they did give me these in the hospital, but I'm not taking anything here at home). I'll have my husband pick up both peppermint and lavender next time he's out and try that. A simple warm washcloth has been doing wonders on my forehead, too.

Our carseat pick has low weight minimum

(even though I can hope I don't need it, right? Sigh..)

Edvent · September 2014

I have always had issues with headaches and it gets confusing for me too at times, wondering about it being BP related. I've talked to my OB a lot and at my visit last week he asked if I had any headaches that felt "different", or didn't go away. I second PP about just taking you BP if you have a bad headache and call in if it's up (even a little), or even a gut feeling that it's a "different" kind of headache. Better go in and it be nothing than not. I often have migraines that "wont go away", so there's definitely gray area and I find it confusing and stressful.

Hang in there! I've definitely had you in my thoughts!

MusicFanatic · September 2014

SailorTink said:

@musicfanatic YGPM!

Back atcha @SailorTink

@BostonKisses- thank you so much. I'm glad to hear you know someone that went to 32 weeks. My doctor said it's really all over, a flip of the coin. It can turn bad super fast. But it doesn't always. I'm prepared for either way, though. Obviously, however, I hope to go as long as possible.

I do have an appt on Thursday and have a bunch of questions to ask.. so I'll add the steroid shots in there.

KnitPixy · September 2014

Gah! I don't look at the high risk board for a week and find one my fellow Canadian January ladies here!

Glad you are taking care of yourself and have help around. I'm really sorry to hear you are dealing with all this. Sending many hugs!

MusicFanatic · September 2014

KnitPixy said:

Gah! I don't look at the high risk board for a week and find one my fellow Canadian January ladies here!

Glad you are taking care of yourself and have help around. I'm really sorry to hear you are dealing with all this. Sending many hugs!

@KnitPixy- Sucks, eh

Nice to see a familiar face, though! (well sort of, I don't wish either of us here!).

And thank you

mwilson721 · September 2014

I see you're getting plenty of great advice. I have high blood pressure before pregnancy and currently during my first pregnancy. Im 24 years old healthy, normal healthy weight. Done tons of tests for pre-e like blood work, multiple 24 hr urine tests, and ultrasounds for my all major organs. With no results as to why I have high blood pressure, doesn't run in the family either.

As far as the headaches go I used to get migraines before I was put on meds now I get the occasional headache. What helps me with headaches is a small glass of Soda(caffeine) with a Tylenol. Since you have high blood pressure headaches come with it unfortunately.

I've been told all the scary risks and really all you can do is go on a low sodium diet take you meds. Go to your doctor appointments. I know it's a scary thing to go through, but just keep fighting. I'm 23 weeks pregnant just taking it day by day. Can't wait to hold this little girl!!!! Best of luck girl you're doing all the right things just follow your instincts. Your body knows what's best it gets better once they get you on the right meds. Hope this helps!!

[Deleted User] · September 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

MusicFanatic · September 2014

toriisalemon said:

I had eclampsia/HELLP with my first, pre-e/HELLP with my second, and pre-e/GD/HELLP with my third (8 weeks ago). My proteins were in the thousands and I was not immediately induced. 600 isn't 2x the allowed limit, it's just considered over the threshold of 300 for a pre-e diagnosis, which actually is no longer required for diagnosis now. If you wind up with pre-e, you'll possibly be given steroids to speed up baby's development and prepare for induction. Definitely have a bag packed, car seat in, and support system ready. You'd most likely deliver on mag, I have twice and only one of those did I have issues, mag toxicity due to a high loading dose but I was also eclamptic and they were trying to prevent additional seizures. My second on mag there were no issues, an induction at 36 weeks before things got too bad. My third I delivered so quickly there was no time for mag or anything else, and it resolved as soon as he was delivered so I was just carefully monitored. Feel free to PM me with any questions, pregnancy with pre-e is the only way I've ever done it and I'm happy to help.

Thanks so much for your input

I do have pre-e, I'm currently on hospital bedrest until I deliver. And I did get steroids for her lungs- two doses, as a "just in case" thing. But thus far I'm OK. They're giving me scans, she's growing. My blood work is all coming out good (liver, kidneys, platelets) and my BP is decent (not normal, but acceptable) so for right now they're keeping me in hospital and watching me very closely. I've been having some vision issues (floaters) but that's also not happened in days. They stuck me on a new BP med and it seems to be working better.

We did buy her carseat, should be here this week. No need to pack bag since I'm already here, along with lots of stuff! But I'm mentally prepared for it to go any way (mostly).

Everyone tells me mag is EVIL

[Deleted User] · September 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

Want a personalized experience?

PIH/no pre-e?

Re: PIH/no pre-e?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards