More info...level of protein

[pakarsons]

I didn't give nearly enough info in my earlier post. Sorry about that. This is my first day on the site.

I am 31 weeks along as of yesterday. Again, the protein is up to 511 as of last week. My BP has been up and down since I was about 24-26 weeks. Over time, it goes up faster and with far less activity. At this point, a trip to the bathroom can make it spike. I guess I'll throw in another question here. My BP has been up in the 150s/100s but is more typically in the 140s/80s. Earlier, it was 160/78. Is that considered high even though only the upper number is high? Baby is growing very well. I had an ultrasound last week at 30 weeks, 2 days and she was already estimated to be 3 lbs, 10 ozs! She's active and looked good on the one NST that I've had. I'm scheduled for NSTs twice per week, bloodwork and visit with doc once a week and 24 hour urine every other week. The only other thing I've noticed recently is blurred vision when I sit up for too long or venture downstairs and I've been having headaches daily for weeks now.

I'm hoping that making it 5 more weeks is a realistic goal. Much of my treatment depends on the doc I happen to be dealing with that week. I see a group and there are one or two who are far too easy-going. They don't seem to be at all concerned with this while another doc has indicated that we may have to induce. Pretty confusing! Thanks again for your input. I apologize for not giving more facts when asking my question about the protein level.

[expert on call]

You have preeclampsia. It looks as if your doctors are following you very closely. NST's (non-stress tests) twice a week are very reasonable. You could get sick very quickly. If your headaches or swelling become worse, or if you develop abdominal pain, see your doctor right away. Monitor the baby's movement every day.

You may deliver before 35 weeks. Ask your doctor where you would able to deliver if a premature delivery is necessary. It may be your hospital; you might need to be transferred. It is not unreasonable to have a consultation with a specialist in maternal fetal medicine. (www.smfm.org, www.nasshp.com). Most hospitals that have a nursery that could care for a 31 week baby will have a specialist. Best wishes.

Expert on Call

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