here for the long haul - I hope!

[hoosie]

Hi everyone,
I've posted a couple times in the "ask the experienced" forum. That has been such a help - I feel so much better equipped going in to all the appointments knowing what the 24 hour urine test means...

Anyway, I hope I'm in here for the long haul. I'm only 10 weeks pg with my 5th (and last). My BP has already been quite high, but seems to be going down for now. I have +2 protien in my urine due to my damaged kidney (I only have the one). Anyway, my perinatologist expects my BP will continue to decline until week 18-20 then start climbing again. He says we'll do "whatever it takes" at that point.

I guess there's a chance that everything will smooth out and go normally from here on in, but that seems unlikely to me. My friends and family think I'm a little nuts to be trying to sort out childcare in case I have to go on bed rest or be hospitalized, but it seems ineivitable to me. I realize my perspective is off - I've buried two baby boys. I expect the worst. Should I continue to plan for every possibility or is it healthier to assume that I'll be fine and take it as it comes?

Meanwhile, I have regular appointments with my OB, perinatologist and nephrologist (kidney dr) - all in different cities. Yikes! So much for my life... but it's all worth it.

Thanks for listening!
Christie

Mom to:
Noah born into heaven at 24 weeks - PIH
Lydia (3 1/2)- PIH
Chloe (1 1/2)- PE
Simon born into heaven at 20 weeks - PIH

[akemt]

I don't think it is overboard by any means. It's good planning if you ask me! And what's the worst that could happen as far as that goes? You won't end up needing it all, whoop-de-doo! LOL That's what we're all hoping for. All of us that are pregnant again are considered paranoid by others who don't understand. Well, I even consider myself paranoid but my feeling is, if you expect the negative to happen then you are less likely to be caught off guard and more prepared for what might happen. I honestly don't think it will be a let-down to find out we were wrong and have a healthy, full term pregnancy without complications. I hope I'm proved wrong, actually.

Just wanted to say that it sounds like you have a good doctor who is familiar with BP issues. That can make all the difference. In "Chesley's Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy" it talks about bp decreasing and hitting a low point around 16-20 weeks (if memory serves) then returning to its norm in a normal pregnancy. So, while your BP is going down, that is natural and it is expected that it will rise again. To what extent, we don't know.

Keep us updated on all those doctor appointments! We love to know what's going on with our ladies (yes, we do take ownership[;)])!

Catherine (22), Moderator (pregnant again)
DH Britton (27)
Emma Margaret (03/02/03) 37 weeks from PIH & oligo
Baby #2 due August 11, 2004

[mintmommy]

Christie,

I admire you for being so brave. I think you are doing great in getting everything prepared given that you have a history of PE. At the same time I think that you need to relax and expect the best.

As for me, I am 27 years old and recently had my first child. He is now almost 5 months and I am almost 3 months pregnant again (surprise, surprise)! My first one was induced because of PE at 35 1/2 weeks. He was born at 4 lbs. 1 oz. and with a bit of jaundice, but other than that, it was all fine. Thanks be to God!

All I can say is that I am a bit worried about what will happen with this my second pregnancy, but I always hear that every pregnancy is different and I only hope that this one will be different for the best. It is already different, or so I think. I have not gained any weight, but my tummy popped right out as soon as I turned about 1 month. With my other pregnancy I began to get swollen and began gaining weight immediately, even before I knew I was pregnant (about 5 weeks pregnant). I dont know if that was part of it because I understand that PE symptoms begin until week 20.

Anyways, I was admitted for having BP 160s/90s and was induced right away. The maximum of my BP was 180s/90s that same day.

Now I have "whitecoat syndrome". Every time I go to the doctor, after I had my first child, I panic and I get BP readings of 140s/90s. I then ask to have a minute or two to relax and have them retake it and the readings come down to around 116/72.

I got my own BP digital monitor at home and its pretty accurate. Last time I went to the doc, my readings were 140s/90s and they only took it one time. I then came home and had my mother take it immediately after I got home and the readings were around the same, but after a few minutes the readings came down significantly, which I felt because I was no longer had feelings of panic.

Just have faith and God will be with you. It means alot to have people that support you and that share the same experiences.

I wish you the best of luck and may God grant you the best pregnancy of your life.

From the bottom of my heart,
Arminda

P.s., just for fun, I dont know if you heard of the chinese lunar calendar, but you might want to give it a try. It is supposed to determine if wether you will have a baby boy or girl. It is supposedly 99% accurate. It was accurate with my first one.
Check it out: http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/cal.html

[julie f]

Christie,

I understand where you are coming from as far as expecting the worst. I too am expecting preeclampsia but, I pray that I am proven wrong. Many people who haven't been through what all of us here have, will call us paranoid or pessimistic, but I've gotten over caring about that. Like Catherine, I hope I am proven wrong.

I think prepraing childcare and things such as that are very important and smart. I would have to think it takes a load off your mind to know that should trouble arise, your children will be well taken care of while you finish growing that little baby. Heck, I'm not even pregnant yet and I've already started making plans for bedrest and a lengthy hosiptal stay...[;)] Again, I hope that none of that is necessary and a big waste of my time!

Julie (27)
Zachary James, 7/22/03-7/27/03, born at 26wks - severe pe

Southern California Coordinator

[hoosie]

Thanks everyone - I'm feeling a lot less crazy for planning ahead. You're all very encouraging! God willing none of it will be necessary.
Christie

Mom to:
Noah born into heaven at 24 weeks - PIH
Lydia (3 1/2)- PIH
Chloe (1 1/2)- PE
Simon born into heaven at 20 weeks - PIH
#5!!!! EDD: Oct. 8