Can somebody tell me about pre-eclampsia?

[Asparagus and Lemons]

I have a little bit of infomation about it, but I'd like to know more.
I've been having the worst chest pains the last few days, below the ribs on just one side, I thought it may have been from breaking my rib a few months ago.. then I found out that pains on the right side below the ribs is a symptom of pre-eclampsia. It has been keeping me up at night and stopping me from doing things during the day.
I have also been having lots of dizzy spells lately and I see stars when I look up.. they are also signs of pre-eclampsia. My bp has not been high, but it also has not been checked for 2 weeks.
I am seeing the midwives tomorrow, so I will get answers from them. But I am interested to what other people who may have suffered it think? Isn't it a condition that is found earlier in pregnancy? And if I was to have it, what happens next?
Thanks in Advance..

[hannanat]

Other symptoms can include swelling of the hands and face. Pre-eclampsia is usually (but not exclusively) a third trimester sickness. If you think you may have it, I'd suggest seeing a doctor today for a BP check.

[Alan]

Hi Poopie
You have 2 signs of Pre-Eclampsia. You need to get this checked as soon as you can. Pre-Eclampsia can be very dangerous for you and your baby. If you have any other signs such as excessive swelling of your hands/feet or some swelling of your face then you need to go to the hospital now.
After saying that your chest pain could be related to your broken ribs and seeing stars could be related to sluggish blood flow to your head (a common pregnancy problem)
If you do have PE then the only real cure is to give birth. So depending on the severity of the PE they may keep you in hospital for a few days then induce you, they may induce you straight away, or if the PE is severe then a CS may be needed

[Visitor7]

hey poopie,
just popping in to wish you all the best and praying it's not pre-eclampsia.

[*Beema*]

Hey poopie

Alan has said it all, definitely go and get checked out JIC, PE is not something to be played with as such, it can go very bad very quickly

For a quick BP and protein check, it is so much better to be checked ASAP then waiting and wondering.
Take care and hope all is good xxoo

[Alan]

I should perhaps add that these symptoms could also indicate HELPP syndrome.

[Asparagus and Lemons]

Thanks Alan, beema, jodi & hanananat! I do have a blood pressure machine and I just tested myself it reads systolic -127/diastolic -101.. I have no idea what that means though!

[Alan]

127 is OK 101 is not OK.
However these electronic BP machines can be somewhat inaccurate. That is why most maternity units do not use them.
You need to get things checked out hun.

[*Beema*]

I would go in and get checked out hun, ths diastolic is in the stage 2 High Blood Pressure (not good), the systolic is at the lower end of high BP, but it can be one or the other or both that indicated high BP, take care hun

*SNAP* Alan!

[Asparagus and Lemons]

Thanks! I will go get it checked tonight, Thanks guys

[Nai]

I'm glad you are going to get checked out - the symptoms do sound concerning. I hope everything is ok and that you and bubs are completely fine.

[~Kim~]

hope everything's OK poopie.

[Loula]

Hope you are OK sending best wishes

[Sagres]

Good luck!
Just wanted to add that it isn't just something that develops earlier in the pregnancy. My BP and other signs started to be a concern around 35-36 weeks. Luckily it didn't come on really quickly so I was induced but not until 40+3.

[Alan]

Hey Poopie
How are things going?

[Asparagus and Lemons]

I called the midwives last night, They told me to not stress too much and they will do a thourough check-up on me when I come in for my appointment. The blood pressure came down, but was still on the high side just before bed, so it got better. It may have just been my machine trying to scare me!
Hoping that its nothing serious, just me being a sook.

[*Beema*]

Goodluck at your appointment today and let us know how you go

[Liminal]

Isn't it a condition that is found earlier in pregnancy? And if I was to have it, what happens next?

More for anyone else reading this later in a similar position: seeking medical advice when you have pre-eclampsia signs is definitely not being a sook! It is crucial to get them checked.

Good wishes for your appointment! As other people have said, their response could range starting from just a bit more attention to your health through to intervention if they find anything, so I hope your case is non-existant or mild.