Pre-eclampsia at 37 weeks?? Natural birth possible at all??

I am 37+3 weeks pregnant and have just had a blood test result come back saying I had slightly raised levels of uric acid which the midwife says means my kidney function is being affected. I had the blood test because I had had protein in my urine and my blood pressure was higher than normal for me. It is normal for most people but I usually have low blood pressure. I started the pregnancy with a blood pressure of around the 100/50 area and it is now usually in the 120s/70s. Today my urine only had a trace of protein and the midwife wasn't worried too much until she got the blood test result this evening.

I have had a cold lately so I have not had any headaches that I couldn't also attribute to that. I also haven't had any swelling that is very noticeable apart from my wedding ring is a bit tighter!

The midwife has booked me into the hospital tomorrow for monitoring and more tests for preeclampsia. I know I should just relax until they can tell me more but it seems I may still be at the mild stage hopefully.

Have I however lost all hope of a natural birth now?

Unless something goes drastically wrong with your BP i.e it being sky high and risk of seizure before they can control it they might do an emergency CS.

I was in hossy for three weeks with PE being controlled by meds before I had my DD induced VB. I was 31 weeks. So yes it is totally possible to have a natural birth with PE as long as it's not severe.

Wishing you the best of luck.

I had the same medical profile as you - except my BP was very high (200's over 120 ish) not low. I had no headaches and only mild swelling. The thing my OB said about pre-eclampsia is that it is like lightening. One minute you are fine and the next minute it is there.

I was induced at 37 w 5 d and had a vaginal delivery. I won't say it was an easy labour as bub was posterior. Labour was hard and fast. I had an epidural to bring the blood pressure down so I could push. In the end with the assistance of a vacuum and an OB that is very committed to vaginal birth, bubs was born with no problems.

Let us know how you go.

Cheers,
Fiona

By a natural birth do you mean vaginal birth? Or no interventions?

Can you find yourself a good acupuncturist? Not only can they try and help with the problem but if you get pressure to be induced, they can work on preparing your body for labour and a natural induction. I'd get onto it right away if you can, and start asap... ideally someone who specialises in maternity/fertility etc...

Thanks for your replies!

Kelly -I mean natural birth as in no artificial induction or intervention, just my baby deciding when he comes and me pushing him out without any intervention. I was hoping to hypnobirth. I really don't want an induction at all.

Just checking, sometimes the two are misinterpreted sometimes :) Acupuncture and chinese medicine might be a good option. Good luck :)

Entirely possible to have a natural birth.

Although some OBs will insist on giving you an epidural "just in case" because it apparently can reduce your BP... would love to see the research that actually backs that one up though.

PE is extremely serious, don't take it lightly. If you have epigastric pain (like just below your ribs), frontal lobe headache (at your forehead), what appear to be lights or flashes of light in your eyes, dizziness or nausea, please don't hesitate to go to the hospital.


Wishing you all the best.