So, I was at my weekly appointment on Monday, and mentioned to my OBGYN that over the weekend I had had some pretty major swelling in my feet, ankles, and legs, much more than normal. Yes, I had done a lot on Saturday, but only minimal activity on Sunday. I had also gained 8lbs in 5 days. However, my BP is still in the normal range. She was concerned about the swelling and weight gain, especially after we went over what I had eaten, which was healthy. The only thing that she said could have caused so much water retention like that was if the the food I had eaten while out to lunch with my family on Saturday had contained a lot of salt. So she set me up with a 24 hour urine collection and blood tests at the hospital. Collected my urine yesterday and had the blood drawn today. I know she is looking for signs of preeclampsia. But at 36 weeks, I hope it isn't as serious as it can be if developed much earlier. I mean, I can pretty much deliver at any time from next week on and have a normal, healthy baby. I'm not really scared about this at all, even though I feel like I should be. Does anyone else have any insight to this or any experiences with this? I'd be curious to hear about them and compare them.
Re: Possible preeclampsia
Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19"
#2 due Christmas 2016.
TTC since November 2015
BFP #1 12/17/15 - MC 1/28/16
BFP #2 4/22/16 - EDD 12/30/16
So please...do not take it lightly. If you are concerned talk to your doctor. Seriously.
The thing about Pre-eclampsia is that it can come about very suddenly. Many that have talked to me about their experiences didn't even know they had it until it was an extreme emergency during labor. In my case I noticed my BP steadily climbing to dangerous levels before labor and I still had a very rough birth experience. Please be aware that it can kill you and your child. I don't say that lightly. It is an unfortunate reality.
@caffeinenut I don't think anyone meant to offend you or accuse you of taking anything lightly. So please don't think that. I just think that there are so many ladies on here (myself included) who have been diagnosed with pre-e with either past pregnancies or in @dmontgo case with Ashton that saw the worst of how pre-e can adversely affect a pregnancy, mama's health, and they don't want you to experience the same thing they did.
Pre-E is a horrendous little problem to have and it makes you feel just awful and I think they are just trying to look out for you so you don't have to go through the same things we all had to go through- or at the very least give you a warning of some things to look out for.
I think we are all in the same boat trying to survive the last few weeks of a miraculous, yet stressful time in pregnancy. So please don't think anyone is attacking you. As for your tests- I think warning your OB that swelling was happening and getting those tests taken was clutch and I think it was fantastic that you told your OB and fingers crossed that they all come back fine and it's just normal, run of the mill pregnancy swelling. I'm sorry that you are experiencing this!!
@caffeinenut I completely understand the over worrying- I'm a worrier by nature too! Hell I worry about stuff before it even comes to pass, which my mom says that I'm "borrowing trouble." But in this case (according to your test results) a little worry is not necessarily a bad thing. It just means that you are on top of it, and by the sounds of it you and your OB are!!! Fingers crossed that all of your tests come back completely normal and no problems at all!! Pre-E and the meds they use to treat it are no fun at all. I felt drunk (and not in a good way) on the magnesium and some ladies had it far worse than me.
All of that to say, try not to over worry about it until you are (IF you are) officially diagnosed with it. Over worrying can lead to elevated blood pressure which won't help the cause any. Good luck, fingers crossed for no pre-e and let us know how it goes!!!
TTC since November 2015
BFP #1 12/17/15 - MC 1/28/16
BFP #2 4/22/16 - EDD 12/30/16