Anyone having High Blood Pressure Issues?

Jessica - posted on 04/29/2009

Okay, so you are in the exact same boat as me. Grrrr, ready to be done! I was on Labedelol (sp?) 200 mg 2x a day to start...then he moved me up to 3x a day, then to 400 mg 2x a day, then finally to 400 mg 3x a day...the meds made me SO SICK! Finally he changed me to a different medication which I am not having side effects with, but he's already upped those meds after only a week on them. My BP still runs 160-170/100-110. Nothing is helping. I'm 36 weeks right now and he said he won't let me go past 38, and honestly, I'm hoping it's sooner than that- I'm in so much pain and have been having headaches, and now have protein in my urine too. I also went through the 24-hour urine collection twice, as well as a SLEW of blood work! I'm doing the non-stress test twice a week, to make sure baby is okay. She's fine so far, but at this point, I think it would be better to have her out.

As for the c-section, if your BP is elevated now and not under control, most likely it will spike even more when you're in labor...I know they can give you magnesium, but chances are, you will end up with a c-section...not a definite, but I would be prepared. I had a c-section last time, and it was such a disappointment to me. I think if I had prepared myself for that possibility before I was in that position, it would have been a lot easier to handle. That being said, when you pack your hospital bags, keep in mind you'll want some comfy pants with not too much of an elastic waist...something that's soft and not too clingy....also, underwear that has the kind of elastic thread rather than the band...it was a lifesaver for me. The Victoria's Secret Pink collection is mostly that kind of band, and that is what I ended up using. Just thought I'd pass that on :) It's not comfortable having anything push on the incision.

Hoping you don't have to deal with the c-section, but the plus side of it is that you don't have to experience labor! And if you're informed going in, it won't be so hard! Other good advice is, if you have the c-section, the quicker you get up and stand, the better- and the quicker you walk around, the better! :) Either way, you get to enjoy a new little bundle, and it will be SO WORTH IT! Good luck and God bless- keep us posted!

Lisa - posted on 04/29/2009

I'm kind of surprised that they didn't want to induce you. The only way for preeclampsia to end is to deliver the baby and being almost 39, there is no reason not to. If your cervix is the least bit favorable, I would assume they would try for a vaginal delivery unless your BP is very high. I have been dealing with it since 34 weeks this pregnancy after my 24 hour urine. I did not have it with my daughter but did have to do the 24 hour urine with her also. - Has your doctor had you on the NST(non-stress test) machine? - Obviously everyone and every pregnancy is different, but from everything I learned working in a OB/Gyn office and being pg for the 2nd time, I wouldn't worry about a c-section right now. It's just another reason for your BP to go up, and you don't need it! Good Luck Ann!

Julie - posted on 04/29/2009

While this is probably not your case, I learned a very interesting thing from the nurse I had last week. The machines that do BP at the hospital tend to read high for pregnant moms. Their calculations are thrown off by our increased heart rate. I would just make sure that you're getting your BP done manually.

Brenda - posted on 04/28/2009

I'd expect an induction before a c section. I had pre eclampsia with my first and I was induced the day before my due date (and I was at 1cm, high, and thick). I was put on bedrest until my due date came along and had weekly NSTs. As long as your cervix is showing some softening and maybe some dialation they won't do a c section (at least they shouldn't...)

Danielle - posted on 04/28/2009

mine has started to creep up a lil bit but nothing to worry about as yet, well if you do get toximia it has been caught early and you are far enough along now that you wont have to put up with it or let it get dangerous as they can induce you safely now