BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Before delivering DD, I was showing some early signs of preeclampsia, but nothing significant. But after having her 8 days ago, preeclampsia set in My blood pressure is very high, I am very swollen (still), and my reflexes are very sensitive. I am supposed to be taking it easy, but with a newborn, how is this possible? I am on four different medications, and go back to the doctor tomorrow for blood work and bp check. I am so incredibly nervous that I am going to wind back up in the hospital.

Can you offer any advice? I need someone to tell me this is going to get better

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

It's tough.

I barely moved with DS. We would chill and sleep on the couch OFTEN!!

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

I had it with DD at the end of my pregnancy. It DOES get better...its important for you to find a way to get some rest. Try and lay on your left side as much as possible....it will get better!

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

as soon as DS was born, i felt better. It took a few days though for it to completely go away. Hang iin there. Good luck!

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

I was induced at 38 weeks because my BP was creeping. 2 days after I delivered I developed preeclampsia. I was kept in the hospital and put on magnesium sulfate and a bunch of BP meds. I was released after about 5 days and then 2-3 days later ended up having to go back into the hospital and back on mag sulfate because my BP was so high. I was released after 2-3 days on higher doses of meds. In all, I think it took about 2 weeks after delivery for my BP to go back to normal. Luckily my mother was staying with me and my DH was also home. It was a very scary time for me but hang in there you will get better

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am just so scared. The thought of being back in the hospital and away from DD is so scary. I went yesterday for a blood pressure check and it was still very high (a week after delivery) and I go again tomorrow to see if it's any better. They added two more medications but I can't help but stress. I have a feeling it hasn't decreased though

I am laying here with my feet up in hopes it helps. Did anyone experience EXTREME swelling in your feet, ankles, and ankles? I'm still waiting for it to go down, but I know it comes with the preeclampsia territory

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Posted by babyquestion

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am just so scared. The thought of being back in the hospital and away from DD is so scary. I went yesterday for a blood pressure check and it was still very high (a week after delivery) and I go again tomorrow to see if it's any better. They added two more medications but I can't help but stress. I have a feeling it hasn't decreased though

I am laying here with my feet up in hopes it helps. Did anyone experience EXTREME swelling in your feet, ankles, and ankles? I'm still waiting for it to go down, but I know it comes with the preeclampsia territory

Message edited 3/27/2009 5:18:15 PM.

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Posted by babyquestion

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I am just so scared. The thought of being back in the hospital and away from DD is so scary. I went yesterday for a blood pressure check and it was still very high (a week after delivery) and I go again tomorrow to see if it's any better. They added two more medications but I can't help but stress. I have a feeling it hasn't decreased though

I am laying here with my feet up in hopes it helps. Did anyone experience EXTREME swelling in your feet, ankles, and ankles? I'm still waiting for it to go down, but I know it comes with the preeclampsia territory

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Well I became preeclamsic when I went into labor - but I had excellent BP before that time. I ended up having to stay in the hospital one extra day b.c of my bloods and on medication for 2 weeks b.c my BP was very high - and monitor it from home 2 times a day. It disappeared on its own in 2 weeks and my BP has been fine ever since. Just try to put your feet up as much as you can and maybe try to nap when your infant does to get in some extra rest - don't try to get a million things done - the laundry and dishes can wait.

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

Thank you all for your advice. It's so reassuring to know that I am not alone and that there are others mothers out there who have dealt with this.

I am sooooo anxious for my doctor's appointment tomorrow, which I know isn't helping. Just took my blood pressure here at home, and of course, it's high :( I have a dull headache all day, but I'm not sure if that's from the high blood pressure or from sleep deprivation! I just can't even imagine having to go into the hospital again. It's making me literally cry thinking about it.

Has anyone been on magnesium for preeclampsia? Is that something they can prescribe OTC or does it have to be given in the hospital? Also, what are the side effects?

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia

my blood pressure was fine my whole pregnancy - but skyrocked the day i delivered at 37 weeks.. out she came via emergency c-section....

right away my blood pressure went down - but went up a day or two later.. my dr prescribed in home nurse care and my insurance covered it so i could go home when my DD did. basically a nurse came in to my house every day for 2 weeks to monitor my blood pressure and take it.

i ended up being on meds for 6 weeks and then it was all fine...

Re: BTDT Moms - Those with preeclampsia