Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Advise on late OB care - borderline pre-e?

So what to do? Here is what is up. OB has recommended a watch and wait game plan.
  • Slightly elevated BP (though not in the danger zone). This morning 124/87. It has been getting better over the last 3 days.
  • Trace of protein found in urine on Monday.
  • Rapid weight gain (9lbs in 2 weeks) - remember I had a lot of trouble gaining weight through bedrest, so this could be me just "catching up" now that I am up and about in the world?
  • No visible signs of swelling in face, feet or hands.
  • Sensation of swelling in the hands. Pain in hands through the night.
  • Passed a 24 hour urine collection and BW for preeclampia last week with no troubles.
Should I be concerned about the trace protein? Should I request to come in tomorrow to just check urine and BP again? Can it wait till scheduled Monday appointment?

I was really hoping for some serious calm and non-worry time here at the end... But I guess that would be too much to ask. I am not super concerned, since I seem to be hanging out just inside the safe zone. What do you think?

The size of this also may explain some of the weight gain...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Came over from L&F - sorry you have to deal with this anxiety! I had a similar experience with BPs higher than yours, but no protein in urine, so understand that it's a weirdly ambiguous space to be in. But you're past 37 weeks which is great. I can't give any advice, just a sense of solidarity and know that you are in my thoughts.

May said...

I had swelling, elevated BP, and protein towards the end with both kids. As my OB put it, "pregnant kidneys are inefficient kidneys." They're going to leak a little protein toward the end. And the swelling will probably get worse after delivery. At 37 weeks, I'd only be worried about lopsided swelling (one side but not the other.)

If I were you, I'd get a blood pressure cuff at the drugstore and check your BP yourself every morning right after you get up. Ask your OB for a cutoff value where you should call them. If you stay below that, just take it easy and try not to worry too much! It all sounds normal to me. The last few weeks suck!

Anonymous said...

When they were freaking about my blood pressure (which was only up when I saw the OB) they did a blood test to rule out PE. Maybe get that done to give you peace of mind?

You're still looking lovely!

battynurse said...

Coming over from L&F. No advice really but hope that whatever you decide it's all ok.
Oh and that sweater and blanket you showed in a below post are absolutely amazing!!

Anonymous said...

oooo look at that beautiful belly. What to do? I think I would *try* to not worry about the trace protein on Monday, and focus on the blood pressure. As long as you are taking it daily and it remains low, it seems (from my utterly professional perspective, ha) that you should be getting a good indication if you are in the neighborhood of pre-e. You are being well monitored and taken care of, so I think it is safe to think that the worst that could happen is that you would actually get pre-e, and they would deliver the baby-- which really isn't a problem at ALL since he is a full term big boy with his room all ready. xox

sara said...

I'm late in posting, but I wanted to say I'm thinking of you and I'm sorry that you have to deal with this extra stress. I think a little protein in the urine at the end of pregnancy can happen without full blown pre-e. But I know that it can cause a world of worry when it does happen and for that I'm truly sorry you have to deal with that worry and crap sweetie. And for the record - you look amazing. I love your belly that has the roomie in it. You look great and I'm so proud of you for hanging in there as long as you have. I can't wait to meet him! ((hugs and more hugs))

jenn said...

I think you are fine- as much as you probably don't want to hear it- I think you should take it a little easy this weekend & then see monday. You are moving now after all- it's completely normal for your blood pressure to go up a little & all those muscles & things to get a little cranky after not doing anything for so long. But if you start to worry or get really puffy- which you so are not!- then call the docs. That is what we pay them for!

The bump looks fantastic! I can't believe how close you are to your due date! Wonderful!

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Checking in, always worth a call to the OB office if nothing else to relieve your anxiety re.trace protein. Adorable Beachball belly.