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19-11-2008 - could it be pre-eclampsia?

My mood while writing this blog: worried

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I went for a doctor visit today and was so disappointed with the way things turned out... I decided to vent in a blog and maybe get some feedback from you ladies.
I saw the nurse practitioner who I like very much. I feel comfortable with her and trust her medical opinion (just to set the tone of the blog).
A few things I wanted addressed at the visit 1) red blotchy areas on both my legs (not itchy no where else on my body same pattern no matter what time of day since late October), 2) severe pain in my pelvis for several months and getting worse (feels like a muscle thing constant ache trouble with moving into and out of certain positions), 3) I wanted a flu shot.
Visit goes as usual, pee in a cup and all over myself in the process, weight, blood pressure. She then proceeds to tell me that I have gained as much weight as they would like to see me gain and I should not gain anymore for the rest of my pregnancy (how am I supposed to not gain another pound through the holidays???) She goes on to say that she is becoming very concerned about how high my blood pressure is (it was 144/94) she starts talking about pre-eclampsia and risks to me and the baby. At the last visit my BP was 138/87 and the doctor was not concerned but if it continues to climb like this it could mean trouble. She looks at my legs and tells me it isn't something she's seen before and she doesn't think it is related to the pregnancy (then there is a whole bunch of nonsense questions like "are you taking any new medications" "using new soap" " new laundry detergent" "lotions" "history of skin disorders like excema or psoriasis" I tell her no, no and no. She says "well, I don't know what it could be, let me know if it gets worse or if you start with a fever. Its most likely an allergy to something you've come into contact with." Apparently the pain in my pelvis is to be expected and I need to buy a maternity support belt that has suspenders to help distribute the weight of my belly. And the flu shots they got were not the kind you can give to pregnant woman because one of the chemicals included in the vaccine contains high amounts of mercury. Come back in 2 weeks to see the doctor.
So now I'm all freaked out. I don't want to develop pre-eclampsia. I'm worried about the baby. And what the hell is wrong with my legs?!?!?!

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3 Comments on could it be pre-eclampsia?


Debra - Tuesday, 25 Nov
sorry that this happened to you and i don't want to concern you too much more - but a bp of 138/87 is still high. a normal BP the systolic- top number- is between 90-140 and the bottom number- the diastolic between 50-90. That you are pushing the upper limits on both measurements means that your heart is exerting a lot more effort- which can be due to many different factors- but that your blood volume is doubled and you are pregnant of course is your biggest causatory factor. Here is a list of symptoms you need to pay attention too-Know the signs and symptoms

Here are the most common signs and symptoms of high blood pressure

* Severe headaches
* Fatigue due to physical stress
* Blurry vision
* Chest congestion
* Breathing problems
* Heartbeat irregularities
* Blood in the urine

And some helpful ways to lower your pressure:
Maintain a proper diet

* Avoid foods high in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat they promote high blood pressure
* lower blood pressure, by consuming foods rich in potassium, calcium and vitamin c.
* Eating fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole wheat can help reduce high blood pressure.

Make sure you are drinking enough water as well- and try to avoid excessive amounts of salt. Put your feet up and rest. If you feel any of the above symptoms for high blood pressure, you need to see your doctor straight away.

about the questions the nurse asked you about your laundry soap etc- these are all things we ask to assess for allergic reactions. Sometimes its a basic thing that you don't even think about that can cause skin irritation. So they weren't irrevelant questions :)

the maternity belt helps a LOT! that's one of the things i recommend to start using in the 2nd trimester if you are experiencing pain in that region. I used it mostly at work and while walking and it made a HUGE difference. Otherwise my massage therapist became my best friend while pregnant.

where is the leg blotching? in your lower legs? upper legs?

the flu shot given to me was a special order as well as i'm still breastfeeding- my son got the same one too. Since vaccines are ordered and brought to your doctor office and they only keep for a certain length of time, they pre-order them so they have enough on hand for that day- so thus the wait.

about weight gain- if you gain a bit- its not a big concern. If its all water weight- ie. your legs swell and get puffy and you can make indents with your fingers- thats a different thing (preeclampsia symptom). Just try to eat smaller portions and avoid the really greasy/'fatty holiday foods and you should be fine :0

I hope you are having a good time otherwise. I don't want to make you scared or anything- just putting my little RN thoughts in. :)

babytauri - Thursday, 20 Nov
Babies take our bodies through all kinds of changes...that pre-eclampsia thing- I'd say read about it and educate yourself on it. Better to be armed with knowledge than full of fear. At this point, they aren't saying that's what it is so don't worry too much. Don't stress over things...drink lots of water...and try to relax....we're in our last month and it won't be long. I don't know much of anything about high blood pressure, all I know is who God is and even when the doctors say something is, God could say otherwise....so have faith that you'll be fine and keep prayer at the top of your list. Whatever they say do for the sake of the baby, do it, and pray the whole time through.... :)

vickiessecret - Thursday, 20 Nov
Hey I had a horrible rash toward the end of my pregnancy, you can see the picture of my leg in my pictures, but ask your doctor if it can be choleostasis---its where your liver isn't expelling bile acids properly and is very serious. Luckily I tested negative to it, and I had PUPPS----but if it is Choleostasis they will deliver the baby early. Becareful about your bloodpressure, the day they decided to induce me, I was sitting at my non stress test and my bp was 160/97. so I was induced 6 days early.). I also had horrible swelling during my pregnancy and they found protien in my urine and had to do a 24 hr urine twice and the second time there was no protien, they'll probably start sending you for weekely non stress tests to monitor everything... Good Luck with everything :)