Pregnancy: Hypertension, Preeclampsia?

Definitely try to relax, I know it's easier said than done. I had pregnancy-induced hypertension with both my kids and took meds for it from the end of the first trimester until the day of delivery. The bp on my end is that I do tend to worry and get anxious before/during doctor appointments, even just routine ones when I am fine! I know that played a role in my high blood pressure when pregnant, but mine was not coming down as much as they wanted, so I had to take medication, which was great in the end. I found when I relaxed and tried not to stress, it was always lower. Even to this day. Hearing your heartbeat is definitely possible, but the more you focus on it, the louder it will seem to you, and your pressure will rise, and on and on. Try deep breathing and visualizing yourself at the end of a healthy pregnancy... it is coming soon! Rest as much as you can at night and on the weekends, and be watchful for swelling like the other posters said, especially if it comes on quick in the extremities. Finally, drink lots of water! Good luck!

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Find a new dr. Your description sounds like my first pregnanyt at about 28 weeks. Only, I was put in the hospital on strict bedrest. My blood pressure too is normally very low (100/50) so when they were getting readings of 140/70 it was a quite a concern for my dr. By 30 weeks I was having protein in my urine as well. I remained on bedrest alternating between the hospital and at home with a nurse until 36 weeks when I was induced. I would definitely get a second opinion.

Usually Preeclampsia sufferers most noticibly have swollen ankles/feet...like elephant-ish and really noticible. The main sign of your blood pressure being alarmingly high is when you see 'stars' after climbing stairs or even bending over to pick something up. And even if you do have preeclampsia, sufferers are usually able to stay home until their delivery. If you did the urine collection process and everything checks out, I wouldnt worry too much. 'Building' a baby - having your blood flow being directed to so many other areas of your body could be the reason you see 'black' after over exerting yourself. Just try to relax and not do or worry too much.

I had pre-eclampsia with my first and it sounds a lot like your symptoms, HOWEVER, this time I have the same symptoms and my blood pressure has been elevated slightly but not to the dangerous point. My legs are very, very swollen but my blood pressure is about what yours is. What you need to do is eliminate all the salt possible out of your diet, and lay on your back (it's safe for a bit) and elevate your legs for at least half an hour in the evening.

If you can monitor your own blood pressure, you're safe. Keep a record of it so you can show the dr. what it has been. If you have a seizure, call an ambulance...that is cause to be admitted and stuck on bed rest, if not induction.

For sure check with your doc ASAP. I had to be on blood pressure meds during my whole pregnancy. Once I delivered I no longer had the high blood pressure. I would get faint when standing up and also hear the beating in my ears.

I feel the same way you do. I am taking methyldopa three times a day to control my pregnancy induced hypertension and have been put on modified bed rest but because I have no protein in my urine I haven't been diagnosed with preeclampsia. I was told that as long as your BP is under 160/100 there is little to worry about and they won't do much, however seeing spots or headaches are a problem. Be a squeaky wheel. Call and complain frequently and perhaps they will start to pay attention. Or get a second opinion. I currently have nonstress tests twice a week because of the BP medication. I don't know if a NST is warranted in your case but you could ask about it.

Don't panic Apparently major fluctuations in blood pressure are relatively normal. Do tell your doc about the sensation and keep a close eye on it. If you notice sweeling especially a lot of swelling in your face call immediately. Also, sounds weird but try taking some fish oil capsules. They worked wonders in bringing my blood pressure down right after I gave birth:) Hang in there. You're in the home stretch. The docs are used to panicky pregnant women so they may seem to be dismissive, but just make sure they note it in your chart and you keep an eye on it. If they really seem to be ignoring. Ask for a referral to a new doc or let them know that you are very concerned and that their lack of a response is a problem for you.

No, you are not over reacting but you are only making it worse when you stress about it. I was pregnant with the same problem in 2006 and I changed doctors three times because I felt nobosy care. Everytime I went to the doctor my blood pressure was up and all they would make me do is lay on my left side and rest for a while. I figure that I had nothing to worry about until it was time to give birth. My son was born on 10/06/06 and nothing was wrong with him. He was a very big baby and was almost 10 pounds and 22 and half inch long. You may have to have a c-section but at the end it is worth it and yes you will hurt for awhile but you see your child and you will forget all about the hard time you just had.

Has your midwife suggested that you might be anemic? I had the heart beating thing in my head, I was crunching on ice all the time and I got the black outs when I got to the top of the stairs. They did a blood test and found I was really anemic. It's possible that you could be, too.

See another Dr. Something doesn't seem right.

Hi H.,
I had pre-eclampsia with my first two pregnancies. Here is my experience... It was not diagnosed by my doctors until my 37th week when my blood pressure rose to 200 / 100, and then I was immediately induced. Both of my daughters are beautiful and healthy. With my first child I was given magnesium through an IV during labor to shut down my central nervous system. It was very scary. The magnesium got into my daughters system before she was born and she had to be put in the NICU for several days. I stayed on the magnesium for 24 hours after delivery and had to lay flat on my back with dizziness and double vision. This kept me from seeing my newborn daughter and bonding with her. After giving birth, I was took blood pressure medication for about 6 months.
I had a similar experience to yours when seeing my doctors at regular check-ups during the pregnancies. My blood pressure would be elevated, but after laying on my left side, it would come down. The in-office urine tests were always negative for protein. For these reasons, my doctor was not concerned. My advice: Ask your doctor if you can do a 24 or 48 hour urine collection. With my second child, the doctor was watching me more closely because of my previous experience. My 48-hour urine collection was positive for protein, even though in the office, my urine was negative. Also, buy a blood-pressure monitor to keep track of your blood pressure at home. If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, you may be put on bed rest, or be induced. I wish you the best.