Proteinuria 815 + high BP at 32 weeks... delivering soon?

[GeorgiaGirl]

Hi, everyone... technically I should be in the pre-e again forum since I had my first baby in February at 29 weeks because of pre-e (he's doing great now, thankfully).

Although I realize this is truly anyone's guess, I'm wondering if anyone in a similar boat held on until 34 weeks or even longer... my 24-hour urine is 815 and my BP's have been up to 150/100, sometimes higher, although they've come down to 130's over 80's while I've been on hospital bed rest. I'm 32 weeks today and so very much want to make it to 34 weeks or at least 33 (in the hopes that I may be able to start breastfeeding and avoid a long NICU stay like we had before). Is there any hope for me or should I realistically expect to have another c-section very soon? My proteinuria never got above the 500's last time so I'm worried....

Forgot to mention: a BPP yesterday was a perfect 8 out of 8, BUT, baby has only grown 3 oz. in 10 days (huge concern, esp. because the head is measuring a little over a week small too). The slowed growth is a big concern. I got a course of betamethasone 2 weeks ago. Trying to decide whether to agree to a second course of steroids. Baby's movement is good and baby doesn't seem to be in distress at this point (unless the slowed growth counts as distress).

[angieb]

I had protein of 700ish and swelling at 32 weeks, made it to 37, though my bp was mostly normal to the high end of normal.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Thanks, Angie... I wish I were as fortunate as you were with that pregnancy, but it's not meant to be. At 33w4d, my latest 24-hour protein was 2,340... a terrible increase since the weekend. They are running another consecutive one now and told me to prepare to be told the baby has to come out tomorrow. Not the news I wanted to hear, but at least this baby made it a few weeks longer than my 29-weeker. Thanks again for your reply.

[sam10]

Uggh, sorry to hear that
Did you receive steroid shots to help mature baby's lungs? If not, please ask them to do so. Will be thinking of you and hope you can squeeze in a few more days, so you can reach 34 weeks.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Oops, I see I made a "wishful thinking" typo in my update... I'm only 32w4d, not 33... I wish I were that far along!

I did receive a round of steroids just before 30 weeks, and another booster yesterday (even though it seems the research is mixed as to whether a booster is actually beneficial).

I'm hoping I can make it to 33 weeks, but my hunch is that I'll be having this baby tomorrow at 32w5d... depending on how bad my 24-hour protein result is. It's also worrying that baby's growth has slowed way down in recent weeks. Maybe he will do better outside than in at this point. I'm still scared, but thankful to be past 32 weeks.

[sam10]

-:( I would think that your baby's wellbeing plays a big factor in the decision to deliver you. Will be thinking of you. Let us know how it goes, as you are able. (hugs)

[GeorgiaGirl]

Thanks, Julija... my 24-hour urine went down today to 1600, but for other reasons they want the baby out... so I'm having a c-section tomorrow. So I guess in answer to my original question, I didn't even make it a week.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Just a final update; I did indeed have to have the baby this past Friday, January 25. (My proteinuria had spiked to the 2,000's within just a couple of days.) Baby was only 3 pounds 8 ounces at birth, but is otherwise healthy for an IUGR 32-weeker (other than a scary collapsed lung incident on Sunday, but that's stable after treatment with a chest tube).

He is long and skinny, but the alarming thing is how loose his skin is, indicating he actually lost weight in utero. As much as I wanted to make it to 34 weeks or longer, I realize seeing my son that he wasn't getting what he needed from me and didn't have much time... I believe we got him out just in time. Hoping that breast milk and great care in our excellent NICU will fatten him back up quickly.

[sam10]

Congratulations and welcome John! Keeping my fingers crossed that he will grow into his skin quickly. Glad he is receiving good care

[sam10]

Please watch out for PE symptoms and report them to your care team if ypu experience any of them (nausea, headache, vision changes, upper right quadrant pain, significant rise in BP). PE can get worse after delivery. It did for me in my pregnancy with Matilda.