I really like this article
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/51/4/960.full
written by one of the members of our medical board, about the use of antihypertensive meds in pregnancy. It explains a lot about why docs do and don't prescribe meds. Let me know if you find anything helpful!

Raposa wrote:With my last pregnancy, I didn't get any labetalol until I was induced, even though my pressures hit 160/100ish. They nursed me through on bedrest, instead. But that was also pretty late in the pregnancy. This time, I was put on meds the day I went to the hospital with arm pain, since my pressures were at 200/120ish at 8 weeks!

I am sooo glad to see you post this! My doctor is doing the same thing, and I have to say, I was really questioning his decision. This makes me feel much better!

With my last pregnancy, I didn't get any labetalol until I was induced, even though my pressures hit 160/100ish. They nursed me through on bedrest, instead. But that was also pretty late in the pregnancy. This time, I was put on meds the day I went to the hospital with arm pain, since my pressures were at 200/120ish at 8 weeks!

I just had an appointment with OB and my blood pressure was 130/78, so she is putting me on Labetolol 2x a day 200 mg. I am 11 weeks. How early did you all start taking blood pressure medicine?

And even on the higher labetalol dose, my OB appointment Friday had my blood pressure at 142/90. Seeing the MFM again Thursday. And have an appointment next week with a dermatologist because I also have a rash. >.<

Talked about work, and the OB is completely supportive of the idea of staying home and resting as much as possible. She told me that we'll look at how I'm doing at my 20 week U/S appointment and plan when to take me out of work and put me on disability. Thank goodness I bought the short-term disability this time around!

With the blood pressure borderline like it is, now, I still feel pretty good but I have moments when I'm just out of it, can't focus on much. The OB said it's probably just be a side effect of the high dose of labetalol I'm on, since it was worst the two days after they adjusted it.

Baby continues to be fine, with a nice, strong heartbeat on the doppler, at least!

Thanks. Now that I've had time to process it, I'm feeling more settled. The baby is fine, that's what's important. And I'm not in any immediate danger either. Mostly, I was just so disappointed that the higher dose that had seemed to be working so well a couple weeks ago wasn't enough. I was actually feeling almost normal.

I am a little worried that there won't be a good way to know if I get superimposed pre-e with high blood pressure and protein presenting so early. But I guess that's why I get to have so many appointments. >.>

Ugh! I totally feel your worry. I've been on pins and needles it seems for 26 weeks. I hope your bp stays where it is. Praying for you and baby!

Sorry you didn't have the greatest checkup, but glad to hear baby is looking well.

I don't know if this helps any, but my cardiologist said it is very common for chronic hypertensives to need their BP meds upped during pregnancy. I'm on a calcium channel blocker myself, and so far so good.

Just had my 15 appt with the MFM doc. My blood pressure is creeping up again, so they upped my labetalol again (300 3x a day now). The doc said that if this doesn't get it under control, they might switch to a calcium channel blocker instead.

At least I got to see my baby again! Looks good. Face and legs and the rest easy to pick out on the screen.

Also, I forgot to take my mug of water with me to the appt, so I was a little dehydrated for the urine test, got +2 protein when it's concentrated like that. So, there's still protein which means my kidneys are still struggling some.

Just so worrisome. It's going to be a rough rest of pregnancy if my symptoms keep bouncing around.