[tolose85]

Hi girls. Well, I've been diagnosed with preeclampsia. Scary times for me. I'm a little worried. My Doc says its mild--for now. I'm off work, something I didnot expect to have happen this soon. Anyone have this?? What can you share about it?? Any info would be great.

[LBH]

Didn't have it, but just wanted to send some (((HUGS))) your way. Take it easy and enjoy the time off! You're almost there...maybe sooner!

[GreatBigMonsterMomma]

Sorry you're going through this. I had it happen with my first, and it led to induction. (An induction I continually have to defend in some circles as being medically necessary!)

There is a very good discussion of it on the Mothering.com message boards:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=221654

The thread is a bit alarmist. Preeclampsia can be dangerous, but you will be closely monitored from here on out, and to my knowledge the vast majority of the cases are mild. The thing to remember is, there is absolutely nothing you could have done to prevent it, so don't let anyone try to make you feel guilty!

Since you may need an induction, I'd encourage you to a) research induction methods and b) talk to your doctor about what methods the hospital tends to use. I'll hit on my bogeyman again--Cytotec/Misoprostol. Some hospitals are fond of it because the cervix doesn't need to be ripe for this form of induction, but the medicine itself carries a label warning against its use in pregnant women, the manufacturer has long warned against using it as a method of induction, and it now carries an FDA warning against its use:
FDA Warning
Drug label (PDF)
Patient information sheet (PDF)

Sorry to sound alarmist, but there are literally lawyers out there making a living off Cytotec cases. You'd be better off with a c-section than being induced in this manner (though I wouldn't recommend going straight to that route).

My experience with it...Pre-E was diagnosed through high blood pressure readings. Consistently high blood pressure readings. I was sent to labor & delivery to be monitored and have blood drawn for that form of testing. Sadly, I wasn't given a single bit of helpful information on how to cope or prevent its escalation beyond "don't eat high-sodium foods," which I didn't do to begin with! There are, apparently, drugs that can help treat it. Pester your doctor with questions.

I was induced a day after my due date, a few days after going to labor and delivery with headaches that were affecting my vision, which is apparently a big danger sign. I had to be on magnesium sulfate for 24 hours after the birth of my daughter, and that is one nasty drug to be on. It is an anticonvulsive.

Here's a fact sheet on magnesium sulfate:
http://www.twinslist.org/magsulfate.html

Again, no clue if it will be used on you. Hopefully, with careful monitoring, you can make it through the last two months alright. Do what you can, and don't feel guilty for what you can't.

[Inca's Momma]

Gretchen sorry you have to go through this but it will all work out and be ok. I wish I had words of wisdom for you but I don't so and keep us updated.

[HoosierHeather]

You poor dear!
I had hypertension without preeclampsia during my first pregnancy. I had to be on bed rest and was also told to 'limit sodium,' what a bunch of crap. From what I read later (couldn't be up & online at the time!), there is no evidence that sodium intake is related to preg-induced hypertension. One nutritionist refused to "advise" me as the doctor had asked, stating, "I don't advocate limiting anything in a pregnant woman's diet."

So... hang in there. Hopefully you'll be able to make it several more weeks, but the good news is, even where you are right now, the baby has excellent odds for being born healthy, just with a bit of help. Every day you can keep it inside will be better, of course; but you'll do everything you can & everything you're supposed to do, and it'll turn out just fine.

[hautbois]

Hi Gretchen, I haven't been diagnosed with Pre-e yet, but my BP has been borderline. Basically it's a wait and see for me. Fortunately, it dropped back down over the past few weeks and I hope it stays down. (still a little high, but better than before!) Earlier on, my dr said if it continued to stay high, I would probably end up on meds and definitely have more frequent visits to carefully monitor me. I would also have NSTs and extra u/s. GBMM is right, there's nothing you could have done to prevent this and most cases are mild. I also read that first-timers like us are more likely to have pre-e. Pre-e is not the same thing as chronic hypertension in the non-pg person. HoosierHeather also made a good point about sodium intake (I've read similar statements on Pre-e web sites.)

Just take one day at a time and ask lots questions so that you understand what's happening. Don't be a passive patient. I hope that your pre-e stays mild and that you can continue to enjoy your pg. The good news is that you're almost done and will be able to hold your precious son soon!!!

[barbygirl43]

so sorry to hear this. Hopefully it will continue to remain mild.