I went to the doctor yesterday and they believe I have preeclampsia. They did some blood work and urine tests and found that I had a lot of protein in my urine. My blood pressure was pretty high again also. I have to go back on Monday with a 24 hour collection of my urine (fun) so they can determine if I have it for sure and what step to take next! Here is some info I got off the internet about Preeclampsia. For thoes of you who may not know what it is- like me!
Preeclampsia is a common problem during pregnancy. The condition — sometimes referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension — is defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. (I have both)
Often, preeclampsia causes only modest increases in blood pressure. Left untreated, however, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both mother and baby.
The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. (Which means Elle might be coming sooner than expected... I wouldn't mind! =) )If preeclampsia develops near the end of your pregnancy, delivery is the obvious solution. If you're diagnosed with preeclampsia earlier in your pregnancy, you and your doctor face the delicate task of prolonging your pregnancy to allow your baby more time to mature, without putting you or your baby at risk of serious complications.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of preeclampsia are elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and the presence of excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The excess protein is related to problems with your kidneys. Your doctor may identify these signs of preeclampsia at one of your regular prenatal visits.
Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia — which can develop gradually or strike suddenly, often in the last few weeks of pregnancy — may include:
Severe headaches ( I have had a few headaches- not severe though)
Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side ( I have this a lot on my right side I always just thought it was Elle!)
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Decreased urine output ( I have this too)
Sudden weight gain, typically more than 2 pounds a week (2 weeks ago I had gained 4 lbs in one week)
Swelling (edema), particularly in the face and hands, often accompanies preeclampsia as well. ( thats me again!)
Swelling isn't considered a reliable sign of preeclampsia, however, because it also occurs in many normal pregnancies.
4 comments:
Hey Lindsay! We are praying for you! Take it easy and today would be a good day to call the doctor (before the weekend) and ask him what you should be looking out for and when he would want you to call him/go to the ER. It is hard when stuff like this is happening on the weekend, but call him and ask so you know when you would need to go in...(like if your blood pressure reaches a certain level, if you have a terrible head ache, ect.)
That is what I do when I know the doctor office is going to be closed.
Love you,
Leah
Good advice, Leah!
Monitor your blood pressure at CVS too, Lindsay:)!
We love you!
Hey Linds!!! WoW!! I just wanted to let you know that I understand what you are going through!! I had the same thing happen to me when I was pregnant with Brook. It is hard to sit there and do nothing, but it is what is best for you and Elle!
My blood pressure was 150/110 and I high protien in my peepee (as Brook would say) =) I was in the ER 3 times, which is NO fun. I was at my doctors 2 times a week. The doctor could not get my blood pressure under control and even with all the meds he put me on. It was very draining and I cried, alot!! She came three weeks early. This is what I had to keep telling my self whenever I got scared or just didn't know what to think....God is in control and He is protecting my (your) baby!! He knows what is BEST and he is always with me and my (your) baby!
Good Advice from Alyssa. I did the same thing everyday!
Love you and praying for you, Matt and Elle!!!
Call me anytime with any questions or if you get bored and just want to chat!! =)
Well you what I think cause we talk often and the girls have given you great advise too! We all just love you so much and want you to be careful, so please take this time as your rest before the fun starts! I will call you later with flight info. Can't wait to see you and Matt and of course ELLE!
love you,
Mom
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