Hypertension in pregnancy **all welcome** XP: PAIF

[cali]

Hi everyone,

So at my 16 week OB appointment on Monday my BP was elevated (150/90). My doctor took it again at the end of that same appointment and it had gone down to 130/82. She said she wasn't that worried but had me do a 24 hr urine collection and come back today for a BP check. Well today when I went in it was 142/94. My regular OB wasn't there and I saw her partner and he really freaked me out by saying I was "pretty high risk" due to my BP. I started crying in the office and it was super embarrassing. He referred me to do another consult with MFM (I'd done one previously for being AMA and IVF and other (possible trigger) stuff but my BPs had been normal then) to determine if I should start BP meds. I'm trying really hard not to turn to Dr. Google because I'm already freaked out, so I'm hoping someone here knows something or has experienced this. I have never been diagnosed with hypertension pre-pregnancy but I have had a few occasional high readings at random doctor appointments pre-pregnancy but no concerns were ever raised and mostly was written off as white coat hypertension but it makes me feel like maybe I'm prone towards hypertension. Thanks in advance for any wisdom or advice.


TLDR: I'm 16 weeks and have had two high BP readings this week and I'm scared. Please tell me what you know about hypertension in pregnancy.

[MissSally]

HI! I had hypertension with DD. They did weekly NST in the third trimester, and I had growth scans every two weeks. I also had to limit salt intake because of swelling. They shouldn't have called you high risk right away. It can be dangerous, but as long as you are monitored, it should be just fine. You can PM me also if you want to talk more in detail!

[cali]

Thank you so much MissSally, you don't know how much hearing that helps. I'm such a wreck already that every little thing sends me over the edge. I just want everything to go okay!

[bootsorhearts]

***TW**** I had pre eclampsia with DS but my BP didn't start going up until about 30 weeks. I think at 32 weeks I failed my urine collection test and ended up being admitted at 35 weeks for very high BP. Anyway it all worked out in the end, kiddo was born early but he's just fine. ***end warning***

It's good they caught it early so you can get meds and closer monitoring. Hopefully it doesn't go up any more. Keeping you in my thoughts!

[MissSally]

Mar 8, 2017 20:46:18 GMT -5 cali said:

Thank you so much MissSally, you don't know how much hearing that helps. I'm such a wreck already that every little thing sends me over the edge. I just want everything to go okay!

I know how that goes! They already have me on meds to control it this time even though my BP has been really low. I have some other symptoms though. I did get induced at 38 weeks with DD because of it, but again, nothing crazy!

[grneyes]

Just wanted to send some hugs, it's so hard to have another thing to worry about on top of pgal brain. Do they have you on baby aspirin? My OB is having me stay on it the whole pregnancy since it helps prevent pre-e. A home monitor would probably also be helpful for you to see if it's elevated more at the doctor's office vs. at home. Walking and doing meditation/yoga/relaxation may help too. I use circle and bloom's program for a healthy pregnancy as well as some other relaxation exercises to help deal with the stress and worry of pgal brain. Anyways, I'm glad they are monitoring you closely and hope the meeting with the MFM goes well.

[cali]

grneyes, thank you! Yes, they've have me on baby aspirin since ET so hopefully that can help me avoid pre-eclampsia. I ordered a home monitor and it's arriving tomorrow. They want me to check at home 3x a day and keep a log. So that's the plan. Thanks for the recommendations for stress management, I definitely need that!

[grneyes]

cali, you're welcome. I also sent you a PM.

[shandorfml2]

Hey cali, take some deep breaths I have a similar issue. I had a few high BP readings (occasionally still do due to anxiety). I did a 24 hour urine around the same time you did, and passed. I was put on baby aspirin anyway as a precaution. My BP has been better since. I would try not to worry to much. worst case you take a pill everyday. I monitor my BP, and have increased u/s and OB apts anyway due to previous stillbirth and my GD. Make sure to drink lots of water, exercise and watch the salt.

(((hugs)))

[cali]

Thanks bootsorhearts @sarahwithanh shandorfml2
I'm feeling better about things today. One day at a time, right?

grneyes, I pm'ed you back but sometimes I have issues with messages not going through, so let me know if you don't get it.

[lickwed]

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. I had Pre-E with DD, but not until 34 weeks. Bed rest and blood pressure meds got us to 38 weeks before she got evicted. With DS I was on baby asprin and lovenox and though my blood pressures would be higher, they never got high enough to be considered Pre-E. I really didn't have any effects from the blood pressure medicine, but I did get weekly BPPs and stress tests. I think the biggest dangers from hypertension for the mom and stroke which is probably why the doctor was concerned. Hopefully they will be checking your blood pressure regularly. The other symptoms I had were swelling and headaches. If you see that, be sure to call your doctor.

[cravingchocolate05]

My doctor said I had high BP at my 12 week appt. I think it was around 160/90. She ordered a 24 hour urine test and put me on 200mg labetalol every 12 hours. She thinks mine may be tied to chronic pre-hypertension before pregnancy even though I've never been diagnosed with that. Of course, I googled all the scary things about taking BP drugs during pregnancy, but there wasn't actually that much info for once. I'm 16 weeks now and have to monitor and log my BP, but so far it is controlled with the labetalol. I have had no side effects, unless I take it dehydrated or on an empty stomach. So far, the high BP part has been much less scary than I initially expected. Hope this helps. Best of luck with yours.

[yorkielove83]

Hey! First, don't freak out that will make it worse. Those readings are elevated but not scary high by any means. Also, my BP would always be highest when I was at the OB because I was nervous about being there or thinking about my BP being high, so I'd have them check it after I'd been sitting for 5 min and I'd close my eyes, clear my head and breath slowly while they checked it.

My Dr. Recommended getting an at home cuff (Sam's Club has a good plug in one for about $50) and checking it twice a day for 2 weeks before even really showing concern.

Story you might not want to hear, but it may be helpful... I was on BP meds prior to my successful preganancy (no doctor can tell me why I need them I'm healthy but my BP has always been high) and they upped them throughout my pregnancy until I was induced at 37 weeks due to elevated BP, swelling & water retention. If they do give you medicine it's ok! It's 100% safe for the baby.

[lickwed]

Mar 12, 2017 22:43:22 GMT -5 yorkielove83 said:

Hey! First, don't freak out that will make it worse. Those readings are elevated but not scary high by any means. Also, my BP would always be highest when I was at the OB because I was nervous about being there or thinking about my BP being high, so I'd have them check it after I'd been sitting for 5 min and I'd close my eyes, clear my head and breath slowly while they checked it.

My Dr. Recommended getting an at home cuff (Sam's Club has a good plug in one for about $50) and checking it twice a day for 2 weeks before even really showing concern.

Story you might not want to hear, but it may be helpful... I was on BP meds prior to my successful preganancy (no doctor can tell me why I need them I'm healthy but my BP has always been high) and they upped them throughout my pregnancy until I was induced at 37 weeks due to elevated BP, swelling & water retention. If they do give you medicine it's ok! It's 100% safe for the baby.

This was me.  They had to up my medicine about every two weeks.

[agpjt413]

::lurking::

No advice - just piling on the hugs and thinking of you cali 😉

[littleowl913]

cali, my MFM had assured me that hypertension was manageable during pregnancy. I also was seeing my cardiologist regularly when I was pregnancy with DS and will continue to see her throughout this pregnancy as well. If you BP continues to be elevated, you'll undergo extra monitoring. It's hard not to worry but know that your OB/MFM - they got you!