How to prevent preeclampsia this time?????

Meghan - posted on 04/25/2012

You need to talk with your Dr about what you can do to prevent it. My preeclampsia was undiagnosed with my second daughter, I had a seizure in the hospital. I never showed signs, no swelling, BP was fine. I was miserable and uncomfortable all the time, but I figured that's just because I'm so tiny (5'1) and my babies are always 8lb+

This time they're going to be giving me extra urine tests to keep me more closely monitored. After my next appt (12w) they're putting me on baby aspirin as well. Apparently there have been some new studies that it may help prevent preeclampsia. But DO NOT take it on your own. There is a certain window at which you can take it (12w - 30w I think, but I'm not sure) and the dosage they give you is very very small. Taking aspirin on your own, if done improperly can cause birth defects.

For now I'm just trying to eat healthy and cut back on the sugar....I drank boat loads of soda when I was pregnant with my 2nd and didn't eat very healthy at all, lots of snacks and salty things so maybe that contributed to all the extra fluid gains. IDK really, everything I've read about preeclampsia is so vague no one really knows why it happens but at least eating is something I can do to feel like I have some control.

Natasha - posted on 03/30/2012

Waves in the placenta? I have never heard of that. I'll have to ask about that! I hav ebeen told to take baby aspirin too, I already take calcuim, but my BP is always good in the 1st trimester, like right now 117/78, so I haven't really thought it was something to start until 2nd, but the diet I know is good throughout. If you guys hear anything else, please share and I will do the same! God Bless adn hope your pregnancy goes smoothly and you & baby are completely healthy!

Janine - posted on 03/08/2012

hi I had severe PE and HELLP syndrome with my first born which resulted in low birth weight and he came early.



My second son I saw a special OB who told me to take 100mg low dose aspirin and calcium tablets every day starting from 12 weeks through to 36 weeks. It worked for me my son was born with healthy birth weight and not too much early, with me having no PE or HELLP.



In the 18 week scan they can check for 'waves' in your placenta to see if you are likely to get it again mine showed up that I was 50% likely to get it again but it didn't reccur!

Natasha - posted on 03/01/2012

Thanks Anna! Appreciate your response! I know the cause is still unknown, although there are theories about it. ANd I know there have been dr. who have done trials and research. Just finding them again, now that I need them. Having preeclampsia 3 times before and worse each time, makes me desperate to find something, anything that might help. Even if it doesn't prevent it, I want to be the healthiest I can between now and the time it starts! Kepp me in your thoughts and prayers! Hear or think of anything else please let me know! God Bless!

Anna - posted on 03/01/2012

That's great that you are thinking about things early. My OB said there was really no way to prevent it from happening again. The only thing we can do is be aware of the symptoms and act quickly when\if it happens.



I have been on BP meds since I was diagnosed with preeclampsia with my son back in 2008. When I found out I was pregnant in September they changed it to a safer med and I am taking a baby asprin every day.



So far things are going well. I am 35 and overweight too. They did suggest a low sodium diet and lots and lots of water from the start. I record my bp each day so they can look for trends and try to rest when I can but it isn't easy working full time and having a 3 1/2 year old at home.



Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going for you.