Preeclampsia

Just got back from my 30 week appointment and the doctor thinks I might be in the initial stages of preeclampsia I have unbelievable swelling in my feet/ankles/calves. Fortunately, my 24 hour urine test and blood work came back okay (as of now). He did a reflex test, and I was much more sensitive than usual (a sign). Fortunately, my blood pressure has been normal (however, slightly elevated tonight but nothing major). I am a teacher and on my feet all day, which is not helping the swelling. He wants me sitting as much as possible and to come home immediately after work to rest with my feet up. I have a feeling I'll be out of work sooner rather than later. I also have to eliminate ALL salt from my diet I am so nervous this will develop into preeclampsia.

Any advice?

Re: Preeclampsia

i just wanted to give you a hug or two...




i THINK they make special socks to help with swelling...no?? It can't hurt to try and find some...but most of all - listen to your doc!!!!!!

Re: Preeclampsia

I am so sorry to hear this.....Will he write you a note to get out of work? I stopped 3 weeks ago because I had indications that I could have it again...and I had severe pre-e with my 1st son. Right now I am 31 weeks. Since I have been everything is looking good.
While you are home lie on your left side as much as possible. Stop the salt...drink the water..if you want something sweet starbursts have no salt.
FM me if you have any qurestions.

Re: Preeclampsia

Posted by jinglemommy

I am so sorry to hear this.....Will he write you a note to get out of work? I stopped 3 weeks ago because I had indications that I could have it again...and I had severe pre-e with my 1st son. Right now I am 31 weeks. Since I have been everything is looking good.
While you are home lie on your left side as much as possible. Stop the salt...drink the water..if you want something sweet starbursts have no salt.
FM me if you have any qurestions.

Re: Preeclampsia

My bp went up a little and when I went for a doppler it showed notching in the uterine vessels. Some believe this is a sign that it could come so everyone decided for me to take it easy bc working wasnt worth it. I am a teacher too and the dr said he wouldnt work bc of the stress.
With my first son I had other complications with a bad placenta so that caused my bp to go up and then eventually the pre-e.

Re: Preeclampsia

oh and i was told to take it easy by the perinatologist --my dr called it bedrest..i am in bed or ont he couch most of the time. I took it easy with my first...and tried to do somethings and i didnt last as long as I wanted. I am very grateful for all the help I have.

Re: Preeclampsia

Re: Preeclampsia

I had ridiculous swellig in the feet and ankles, which moved up my calves the last 3 weeks of pregnancy. My urine and BP were always good, but there was one visit where BP was a bit high, and I had gained 9 lbs in 2 weeks! They thought I was developing pre-e as well, but it never turned into anything...just swelling. Water is so important, and get those feet up above your heart as much as possible. I used to sleep on my left side with pillows under my feet. Try not to worry...

Re: Preeclampsia

just wanted to give you a hug! hang in there bud!

Re: Preeclampsia

I had severe pre-eclampsia with DD (although I didn't develop it in full force until AFTER I delivered). I never had any swelling, or reflex issues etc. I had really high blood pressure (but no headaches), and my liver enzymes were elevated. I was put on bedrest at 35 weeks because of high BP and induced at 38 weeks. Just take it easy and stay off your feet as much as possible - unfortunately there is not a whole lot that can be done to prevent pre-e (although some studies suggest that a daily baby aspirin may help keep it at bay).

Re: Preeclampsia

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. I had preeclampsia with DS. I failed the 24 hour urine test and my BP was elivated. I also had swelling. My doctor took me out of work and put me on left side only bedrest for 6 weeks. I also had to eliminate salt from my diet.

Can you get a stool to rest your legs on while you teach. Can you teach sitting down? I would bring your lunch every day so you know exactly how much salt you have in your diet. Check for low to no sodium cereal. I will say that you should think about that you may be put on some form of bed rest and prepare the things you need to get done now. HTH. Please feel free to FM me.

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I had severe swelling in my feet and legs. The swelling started at 29 weeks and got progressively worse. I had high blood pressure too. At almost 36 weeks, I was admitted to L&D for several hours b/c of my high blood pressure and traces of protein in my urine. I did the 24 hour urine collection, but it came back normal. I was put on bedrest at that point. I was monitored closely for the next 2+ weeks and I was induced at 38 weeks.

Try to stay off your feet as much as possible and keep them elevated above your heart. Drink lots of water and limit your salt intake. You may want to look into getting compression stockings. If you have a persistent headache, pain by your ribs or start to see spots, call your doctor.

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That is right about the time I started showing signs. I made it to 39w2d without starting leave early or doing anything more than keeping my feet up when I got home from work.

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At my 32 week appointment I was put on bedrest due to severe swelling and high blood pressure. I had to watch my salt intake and stay off my feet and lay on my left side as much as possible. I was going weekly for checkups and I never had any traces of protein in my urine. My DS was born two days before his due date. Hang in there. Try to put your feet up as much as possible and lay on your left side.

Re: Preeclampsia

Sounds exactly like my first pregnancy...horrible swelling and I am a teacher too. Had to leave a month early and did not get high blood pressure and protien in my urine till week 39 and I was induced due to that.

Only other advice is drink loads of water...so much that you should feel like you may float away. Water is supposed to help you "flush" out the toxins