potassium levels

[llfmpt]

I was just diagnosed with low potassium (2.8) after a trip to L&D with high pressures and headaches. The OB didn't believe it and ran another test and found continued low potassium, so I am being supplemented. I am wondering if this has anything to do with pre-e. I have none of the things that would cause low potassium (diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) so the OB was stumped as to the cause. Any insight?

BTW- I am on modified bedrest due to high pressures and low amniotic fluid levels and am being monitored closely by the OB (twice a week visits).

Lisa-
FVL hetero
chronic HTN
on modified bedrest
dh-
reservist activated and in Iraq
dd-
almost 4

[expert on call]

Lower than normal potassium actually happens more often in pregnant women than should happen according to the books, per my personal experience. You may have one of the renal conditions (silent until now) affecting how successful your kidneys are in reabsorbing potassium into your system; this may worsen in pregnancy but be essentially not problematic at most other times. A rare cause of low potassium and high blood pressure is Conn's syndrome--caused by an abnormality in the adrenal gland. Consultation by your doctor with an endocrinologist/nephrologist can be helpful in determining if there is something significant present and whether or not further evaluation is indicated during pregnancy or postpartum if persistent.

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