Concerns

[shiscilla]

I just found this board and am glad I did. I am 36 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have been having pre-term labor since 28 weeks and just got off bedrest yesterday. My blood pressure has been up since around 20 weeks. (135 over 75). For the past 3 weeks it has been hovering between 159/90 and 145/80. I am normally 110/60. My doctor is having me visit twice a week to monitor this. I am also swelling and having significant weight gains (8 pounds in 6 days) I have gained 20 pounds in 2 weeks. I am not a pretty sight. I am also starting to see spots and stars and my vision is blurring. Should I be more concerned about this. My doctor is talking about inducing me but wants my cervix to thin out more on it's own. Any advice would be helpful. I'm not sure what to think about this.

Thanks,
Jeni

[alimarie]

Jeni,

I would definitely suggest you talk with your dr. It can't hurt to mention it because it will either lead to knowing more about what is going on or give you some peace. the fact you have made it to 36 weeks is awesome. I hope the best for you and please let us know!

alison

AliMarie---mommy to Madalyn Anne-born at 35 wks due to severe pe (9/18/2001 4lbs. 14oz.)

[julie f]

Jeni,

I would defintely talk to your doctor ASAP! Ever since my experience with Preeclampsia, some might call me paranoid [;)] but... I would probably call the on-call OB tonight or head to L&D for a bp check. Visual disturbances are not something to mess around with, my understanding is that it is due to swelling of the brain (not a doctor here!).

Please, please call your doctor and then give us an update!

Julie
Zachary James, 7/22/03-7/27/03, born at 26 weeks due to severe pe

[mada]

I'm with Julie, you defenitley need to call the doc now or go to L&D....Visual disturbances and the weight gain is worriesome...I am sure it's from swelling....I had my son at 36 weeks and he did great. Please Please get attention and let us know how it goes....

Mada Harpster

Sam 6-29-00 36weeks P.E.
Ben 11-03-01 No P.E.

[annegarrett]

We list visual disturbances (on the About Preeclampsia page, under Sign and Symptoms) as a GO TO THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY symptom. Not to be messed with--the only reason for those symptoms is cerebral edema--usually you can confirm this by looking in the mirror--is your face unusually puffy, particularly under the eyes? (I looked like someone beat me up). You should go straight in. Today. You should NOT call and have them say come in Monday. You should go to Labor and Delivery and say you are SEEING STARS. That should make everyone jump into action.

The good news is you are "at term" so your baby has a really really good chance of not even needing to be in the NICU. The other thing to realize is that the clinical definition of preeclampsia is a rise of 15 diastolic and 30 systolic--or with you--140/75. You are well over that. I would go right in.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Anne Garrett
Executive Director
Preeclampsia Foundation