1. If you are the kind of person who likes hard data, ask for a copy of her lab report. You may be surprised at what you see. In my experience, words like "fine" or "normal" are completely subjective and some doctors will say things are normal even when they are slightly out of norm.

2. Can she still be at risk for pe or eclampsia? A woman does not necessarily have to have pe before eclampsia strikes. A check of her reflexes can help determine if her central nervous system is being affected. If her reflexes are brisk, it may be an indication that her central nervous system is being affected.

3. Ask about steroid shots for the babies lungs. What circumstances would warrant steroid shots? This would only be important if there seems to be a high probability that the baby would be delivered early. At this point that doesn't seem to be the case but, it doesn't hurt to ask.

If swelling is really her only issue at this point, you could try to find a heated/indoor pool somewhere. Submerging up to the neck for at least 30 min. really helped my swelling.

I am so glad that you got good news...what a relief! Carpal Tunnel can be so painful and irritating. I have had issues on and off (when I knit too much) with CT and recently bought the wrist supports. I sleep with them on. They did take a bit to get used to, but they have stopped me from waking up from numb hands during the night. They also have helped me throughout the day too with few symptoms. The good thing about pregnancy induced CT is that it typically goes away after delivery.

Please keep in touch with us and let us know how things are going. My best to you and your wife!

Well we received a call from the Doctor this morning and were told her bloodwork was fine and she was negative for P/E which is a huge relief. However, she does have Carpal Tunnel. We just bought a brace for each wrist since the doctor recommended them and hopefully they will help her relieve some pain tonight. We have our regular 2 week checkup on Monday and I'll be sure to ask for more information about P/E and some precautions that we can take. Is there anything I should ask the doctor on Monday? What questions should I walk in with that I need answered?

James,

Way to go! What a great husband you'll be!! You're already a great fiance and dad!

Relaxing really is key.

When I first came down sick, I had PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension). And for me, it eventually led to a moderate case of PE. I also had really really bad carpal tunnel in both wrists - and I worked as a product manager sitting at my desk typing most of the day - my arms ached so bad I'd be in tears.

Have you gotten a home BP monitor? I know there's a link somewhere here that talks about the "right" way to take a BP measurement - sitting up, both feet on the ground, left arm (not really sure why, but right arm "skews" the readings). Also, if you ever end up in the hospital, make sure they use the proper sized cuff - I'm not a tiny girl, but I'm not a big girl. I usually (usually - not when I was pregnant) had the "regular" sized cuff. Well, the nurses didn't like the readings so they'd switch to the extra large cuff. That also "skews" the numbers.

If I'd known then what I know now (based solely on this board), I would have insisted that they use the normal cuff and document the accurate BP readings. It was my life and my son's at stake. No messing around next time for me!

I also found that some movies, especially with ANY type of tension, would affect my BP.

http://www.sidelines.org/ provides support for bedrest ... wish I knew of them before too!!!

Hang in there. Make sure you're doing kick counts - there's another link somewhere here for that. ANY decrease in movement warrants a trip into L&D.

You're doing great!

F.Y.I. in the "pregnant again" forum section, ladies on bedrest can stay in touch with one another and pass the time...

According to the Dr. her blood pressure was normal but we didn't care to ask what exactly the readings were because we had no idea what we were dealing with at the time. Rest assured we will have it checked regularly however and I'll post them to help give you all a better idea of what we're dealing with. Her urine was also tested and she said it was good and no protein. We have not received the results yet from blood work and I don't think we will until after the weekend. The waiting kills me. She is just on bed rest until we know more but she's bored out of her mind. I try renting movies and just spending as much time with her especially since its the weekend. I'm thinking of taking her out to the movies and to eat tonight, places she doesn't have to stand or walk very much if at all. Thank you for the swift responses and I'll for sure be coming back here for information and advice as well as support.

I am so sorry yall are going through this. The best defense is to know te symptoms.... while you are waiting for results if anythin, anything changes, or she feels more unwell, or any more symptoms from the list show up, definitly head to the hospital to get checked out. Please keep us updated

Hi. I'm so sorry your fiancee isn't feeling well. I'm glad you are educating yourself about PE.

Please, please, please, if her symptoms continue into the weekend, go to L&D. Take care.

James, welcome.

The questions Caryn has posed are exactly what you should be asking the doctor. Also, over the weekend, if the headache continues, facial swelling worsons, she experiences any upper right quadrant pain - or around her shoulder/bra strap - or decreased movement of the baby, take her straight into L&D.

Meanwhile, I'd recommend she spends as much time as she can lying down on her left side.

Preeclampsia can move fast and you are right to be concerned. Please come back with any more questions or concerns.

James, welcome to the forums.

Have you gotten the bloodwork back? What are her pressures? Have they checked her urine for protein?

You may have already seen this: http://www.preeclampsia.org/symptoms.asp

The only known cure for preeclampsia is delivery. Am I seeing that she's about 32 weeks? I would ask about steroids for the baby's lung development.

Please keep us posted.