warning signs of preeclampsia?

[expert on call]

Is a bp jump from normal of 120/80 to 140/90 (and then it dropped during appt to 130/80) and a 9 lb weight gain in 5 weeks WITHOUT protein in urine and/or edema warning sign enough of preeclampsia?

OB does not seem concerned but wants me to have bp re-checked in 2 weeks and "take it easy," as well as watching diet more closely.

High bp runs in my family, and pre-pregnancy I have been at 140/90, but only on isolated incidents. Also, major fight with spouse prior to appt, as well as anxiety over weight gain.

How worried should I be?

Thanks so much...

[expert on call]

Stress can definitely affect blood pressure, but the weight gain and the elevations could also be early signs of preeclampsia. It sounds like your OB is concerned enough to keep watching very closely for now, and I think this is a reasonable strategy. Just keep a close eye on your body and let your doctor know if anything starts to feel abnormal - even if it's just a general "I don't feel right" sort of feeling.

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