cross-posted from January due dates
I've been posting about this in the FB group, but maybe I'll get some more responses from people with experience if I post here. Pre-eclampsia. I have it. Anyone else? What was your outcome?
I am 29 weeks. My blood pressure has been creeping toward high all pregnancy & it finally tipped over the edge into a place the doctor doesn't like at my most recent prenatal. She ordered a 24-hour urine catch to look for protein, bloodwork to assess my liver & kidney function, & a repeat blood pressure check for a week later. Bloodwork came back perfect. Urinalysis came back with protein--I scored 280, & I guess 300 is considered definite diagnostic criteria for pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure was still high seven days later, & there was still protein in my urine.
She put me on blood pressure medication (labetolol) twice a day, & prescribed an at-home blood pressure machine. I have to take my blood pressure once or twice a day & log it for appointments. I just started that yesterday & so far, it's been high-ish but not too crazy. I've also been accelerated to weekly prenatals, & each one will include a biophysical profile to assess the baby's growth, movement, heart rate, amniotic fluid levels, & breathing reflexes. In the event that the baby fails a BPP or I start showing signs of maternal distress (vision changes, headaches, etc), they will probably start talking induction.
I am acquainted with a few other women who had pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension, & all of them have healthy kids now, but all of them wound up with premature births. I am really, really hoping to make it to term (I mean, who isn't?). I'm scared because I am showing symptoms so early--making it to 37 weeks seems like climbing Mount Everest. But I'm encouraged by my reasonable at-home blood pressure readings & my lack of major edema. I seem to have a lot of good fetal movement & good fundal measurements. I'm looking forward to the first BPP on Wednesday to get a peek at baby & see how she's handling the situation.
Anyone else dealing with this, either now or in a previous pregnancy?