Preeclampsia and flying

[expert on call]

The following are symptoms that my doctor has noticed over that past 2 weeks....

paraestheia(numbness) of the hands, especially at night

High blood pressure, last check 157/85

glucose in urine, no protein

swelling of the hands and lower legs

He has not diagnosed me as having pre-eclampsia...yet, but I fear this is what is going on. Are the above all symptons of pre-eclampsia or just stress. Could I just have developed diabetes?

Also, I have a 4 hour flight in 5 days for 2 weeks vacation. Is flying safe? Will it cause my symptoms to get worse?

What can I do to get the blood pressure down, aside from a prescription from my doctor?

I don't seem to be getting these answers from my doctor. He does not seemed too concerned right now. Please respond and help me sort this out!

Katherine



Expert on Call

[expert on call]

Preeclampsia can often present first with increases in blood pressure similar to what you are describing. If your blood pressure remains elevated it could be an early sign of a problem. I would recommend that you not travel for now until this gets sorted out better. It is likely that the only thing that will help the blood pressure is a prescription medication from your doctor until such time as it is safe to deliver the baby.

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.