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My husband and I went in for my 37th week checkup when I was toldPosted On Thursday, June 20, 2002 by Erica |
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My husband and I went in for my 37th week checkup when I was told that I had preeclampsia and that I would be delivering some time within the next day. My blood pressure which had been 110/70 for my whole pregnancy had skyrocketed, there was suddenly protein in my urine, and the swelling in my feet and hands had also taken over my face (I gained six pounds my last week of pregnancy- mostly water). Terrified, I went to my hospital's birthing center to be induced. I was given pitocin to start contractions and magnesium sulfate for the preeclampsia (the doctor told me that it would make me feel bad, I just wasn't prepared for feeling like I had been dragged behind a car while having the flu). About ten hours later my son ian was born. I was thrilled two days later when we were sent home from the hospital. The following day I developed a headache. Though not severe, my doctor felt it wise for me to go back to the hospital for a check. My blood pressure had risen again and my liver enzyme tests were looking pretty bad, since I was told that I must be readmitted and placed back on the mag. I desperately wanted to be at home with my husband and new son. I spent much of the next twenty four hours crying in my hospital bed. It seemed like every nurse and every doctor was telling me something different. Finally I was allowed to go home. Two days later my blood pressure was normal. Three days after that I went back into the office for a check up. Again there was protein in my urine (I don't know what two plus protein means, but none of the medical staff seemed happy about it). Also, my bp had risen to 160/110. When my doctor spoke of readmitting me to the hospital I broke down sobbing. Not only was I sad, but I was scared and felt like a horrible mother for having to be away from my son. I was allowed to go home, with a prescribtion for labetalol and the promise that I would stay on bedrest and have a home nurse visit. It has been almost four weeks since I had Ian, there is still a trace amount of protein in my urine, but my doctor seems optimistic. Also, my blood pressure is still not normal. This is not how I had planned the birth of my son, but I am finally getting to be a mom. |
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