Frank,

Continue doing what you are doing, looking for answers, etc. She is so close, just being there for her is great. Making sure that she doesn't need to get up for anything, cleaning the house, taking over the things she does can help so much. I think what I liked my husband to do was research the web (he is the one who found this site for me!) and be as informed as possible. For all of my pre-e babies, I wasn't really there mentally so he became the rock who took all of the information in. He was my greatest cheerleader, talking about his latest research and how we were doing so well.

Please keep us posted on her condition. If she can post, have her go to the bedresting section. She will get alot of encouragement there.



Michelle
mom to Cole Thomas -former 28.5 weeker (3-5-99, 3 lbs)due to HELLP and Madelaine Grace "Lainey" -former 29.5 (10-11-01, 3lbs 4oz)weeker due to Pre-E and had PIH with Elisabeth Rose (Ella) -37 weeker,born June 30th 2003 weighing 5 lbs 12 oz and beautiful.

Thank you all so much for the kind words. The amnio was underdeveloped and the doc would not take the baby. It was 45?? and he says it needs to be 55 or 57 which he hopes it will be next week. We are planning the section for next wed, she will be 38 weeks then. I dont get it the signs were good, lots of vernix floating in the fluid and a breathing motion from babys diaphram in last3 ultrasounds since oct. Our hosp does not do neos and we want what is best for both. Ton is being monitored closely. Baby was barely reactive with nst today but bio prophile was 8 so she is on strict bed rest and nsts til wed. It is so hard being the dad, I feel so helpless for her and our son. What can I do?
Frank

Hi Frank, wish Tonia the best for us won't you? That much protein in her urine is not a good sign and may well indicate that despite the medication she is beginning to move towards preeclampsia. However, if they go ahead and deliver soon there is no reason why she should suffer any longterm damage. Sounds like she has a good doctor if he is being so proactive. A baby at about 36 weeks (if I did my math correctly) should do pretty well.

Good luck with the amnio...both of you! I should probably say all three of you.

Catherine (37)
DH, Dave (40)
Finn (6)
Lucy (2)
Chloe (7/2/03)

Frank,

I agree with Sherry. How far along is your wife? So glad to see you are so involved! BTW, if they do a rapid test for the amnio, it can come back low and then you can have the full test come back good for lung development...mine did. They sent me home only to have me come in a few hours later. Watch closely for any deterioration in her condition and make sure she is doing her kick counts! Good luck and I hope you have a healthy baby and wife soon!

Catherine (22)
DH Britton (27)
Emma Margaret (03/02/03) 37 weeks from PIH & oligo

Hi Frank,

I don't know the answer to your question. I know that for pree to be diagnosed, you need the BPs and the protein. However, I don't know what they call it if the BP is controlled by medication.

I had 7g of protein myself and this is not good. This looks like there is something wrong with the kidneys. If they won't deliver in the next few days, I think you should ask them to refer your wife to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). She should consult one anyway after she recovers from birth.
The key to not affecting the kidneys further is to keep the BP's in control. You need to watch those BPs at all times. If you don't have a BP monitor have her call the doctor or go to L&D if the starts seeing stars, having a mild headache, feeling funny (BP symptoms) or having any other pree symptoms.

I had pree in February and I'm still spilling protein in urine. I am right now talking to specialists and trying to find out what is wrong with my kidneys. However, my ob ignored the protein for 4 weeks and my BPs went to high numbers: 170-180/110-120. This might have affected my kidneys. If your wife's BPs were in control at all times, it's probable that she will recover with no remaining issues.

Ask the doctors the questions you have tomorrow. They are great questions. 8g protein is a lot. Ask them how are they planning to manage it.

I hope your baby's lungs are well developed and you will soon have a healthy and happy family! Good luck to both of you and keep us posted.



Ileana 33
Angel stillborn 24w p-e 2/17/03

Hi Frank...
From what I understand the low dose of BP meds can actually 'mask' the High Blood pressure of PE. I think he is doing the right thing by doing the amnio and initially delivering the baby! There is NO need to keep her pregnant if the lungs are mature with a protein of 8!!!

Sherry Fisher (28)
DH: Bill (35)
Proud Mama to:
#1) Alex 1/1/94-PE
#2) Abbie 12/17/97-PIH
#3 Will 08/03/02-PP PE
#4) EDD: 4/27/04
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babyfish3/

Need advice, my wife is on bedrest with protein, the doc said it was 8 in the 24 hr ur. Her bp is steady 125/75 but this is on a small dose of tenormin 25 mg, that she has been on since before preg. Does this mean she has pe?? the doc is doing a amnio tomorrow if babys lungs are developed we will have a csection.
I am not clear if you have to have both protein and high pressures to get pe or if the protein could be something else??
frank, tonias hubby