Here we go again...

[sdaugherty]

A little background...I had PIH with my 2 girls (ages 10 and 8). PIH didn't develop until the last few weeks of pregnancy with either of them.

Over the past few years I've had chronic bp issues. Over the last couple of years, my bp has gotten a lot worse. I was on bp meds when I got pregnant (very unplanned) and they switched me to procardia rather than take me off of it.

My bp hasn't been great on procardia...but not awful either. It's been around 140/60-70.

When I went to the ob for my 24 week check up, my bp was up a little...148/70. It went down a to 140/70 after resting. Today, I went in for a UTI (which I have...5th one) and an upper respiratory infection. My bp was up...160/78. I was very nervous about them taking it since it was elevated last time. They had me talk to the doctor, and get examined then took it again. It was 140/60 after resting a bit.

My OB is great though. With my history of PIH, she is really taking this seriously. She ordered bloodwork for monday and on Sunday I am to do a 24 hour urine catch to bring in with me monday. I feel like I am in good hands since she is on top of this without me even having to ask her to be.

I hope that being sick and nervous was part of the reason my bp was up today. Odd that it would drop so much after I rested. But, I'm glad that they're watching me. I really don't want to develop this at 27 weeks!!! It's way to early to develop pre-e!!

[ssaunders]

I had pre eclampsia with my son. It was the first time my bp went sky high but since then, when i have anxiety or panic attacks it would go up to 150/90 with a pulse of 130ish. Its been 150ish. I am pretty sure I have white coat syndrome. i have very bad anxiety every time I go to the doctor. I worry about my bp being high.
Do you have a monitor? Get one and keep track of it at home. I take mine 2 times a day. Some days i dont take it at all , but I can tell my is anxiety related. When I get overwhelmed or irritated I can feel my heart start to pound and just know its going up. 140/90 and higher isnt great, but it sounds like yours goes down after resting, so I would think its triggered by nerves or stress or something?
I am glad your doctor is paying close attention. Maybe some baby aspirin would help?

[sdaugherty]

Much better appointment today.

My bp was down (they also used the larger cuff and the last time they used a very small one...wonder if that was it?). Had the GTT...hate that drink, but glad it's over. Had the pre-eclampsia bloodwork and glad that's over.

The best part was the ultrasound. Baby boy is weighing in at 2 lbs 12 oz! His heart looked great. Amniotic fluid level was good. I got to see his little face so clearly...he is adorable!

I feel much better today after this appointment. The appointment last thursday really had me worried.

[blythe]

As I understand it the different bp cuff can make a difference. Next time in your shoes I'd measure my arm and have them check the inside of the cuff for the measurement range. A larger cuff could give falsely reassuring numbers.

[sdaugherty]

My arm is too big for the regular cuff. My primary care physician has always used the larger cuff with me.